Thorpe Told Policeman: I Am Totally Innocent (Press, 9 December 1978)

On 9 December 1978, court proceedings continued concerning Jeremy Thorpe, the former leader of the British Liberal Party, who faced serious accusations related to an alleged plot to murder his former lover, Norman Scott. Chief Superintendent Mike Chapes testified that he arrested Thorpe on 4 August 1978, and Thorpe energetically proclaimed his innocence, asserting, "I am totally innocent." He indicated intentions to defend himself vigorously against the allegations, which included accusations of a homosexual affair with Scott in the early 1960s. Chapes read a comprehensive statement from Thorpe, which had been made two months prior to his arrest. In this statement, Thorpe denied any homosexual relationship with Scott, acknowledging only that he had met him in 1961 when Scott, in a suicidal and unbalanced state, sought help. Thorpe characterised his actions as compassionate, claiming that his kindness was reciprocated with resentment from Scott. Thorpe’s statement also tackled previous testimonies from Scott, who had accused Thorpe of seducing him, leaving him emotionally distressed. The statement detailed Thorpe's concerns about Scott becoming overly dependent, leading him to facilitate a stay with a family that ultimately asked Scott to leave due to disruptive behaviour. Thorpe mentioned attempts to assist Scott in securing compensation for a supposed plane crash that had supposedly killed his father, later discovering that Scott had lied about his father's status. The court was reviewing whether Thorpe, along with co-defendants, would proceed to trial on conspiracy to murder charges. The prosecution alleged that Andrew Newton, an airline pilot, had been hired to kill Scott but failed, accidentally shooting Scott's dog instead. During the previous year, Thorpe had successfully retained his parliamentary seat with an increased majority, despite the knowledge of the Scott allegations circulating in the press. Thorpe’s statement addressed various financial transactions involving Jack Hayward, a Liberal Party benefactor. The prosecution suggested that Hayward's funds were used to pay off the alleged hitman. However, Thorpe rejected any claims of knowledge or approval regarding any payments to Newton and insisted that Hayward's financial contributions were earmarked as a reserve for future election expenses. Thorpe expressed concerns over being the target of a conspiracy and indicated a belief that individuals had manipulated their narratives in light of emerging facts. The court learned that the weapon used in the attempted shooting was nearly a century old, a detail that brought additional intrigue to the case. As the Crown concluded its evidence, the court adjourned, with the defence expected to present its case on Monday, potentially arguing that there was insufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Throughout the proceedings, Thorpe exhibited a calm demeanor in court, wherein he faced significant public scrutiny and media attention.

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