Lawyer Admits Thorpe’s ‘homosexual... (Press, 24 May 1979)

Norman Scott, a former male model, testified in the trial of Jeremy Thorpe, the former leader of the Liberal Party, claiming that Thorpe instigated a bungled murder attempt against him. Scott recounted an incident in 1975 when a gunman shot and killed his dog in what he described as an attempt on his own life. The dramatic claims made by Scott, who alleged that Thorpe seduced him in 1961, have stirred considerable controversy in Britain, marking one of the country's most significant scandals in recent years. During his testimony at the Old Bailey, Scott had an emotional outburst, directing anger towards the judge. Thorpe's attorney, George Carman, while denying any sexual relationship between Scott and Thorpe, appeared to acknowledge Thorpe's past homosexual tendencies. Carman suggested to Scott that he was aware of this aspect of Thorpe when they first met, to which Scott agreed. Thorpe, now 50 and once celebrated as Britain's most popular politician, is pleading not guilty to charges of incitement and conspiracy to murder, which could lead to a 10-year prison sentence. The defence's strategy involved questioning Scott's credibility, focusing on his admitted history of mental illness and instances of deceit, including fabricating stories about his parents. The prosecutor argued that Scott's allegations on the failed sexual encounter prompted Thorpe to fear for his political career, leading to the alleged murder plot. Scott detailed the traumatic experience of encountering the gunman, Andrew “Gino” Newton, a supposed hired assassin, who shot his Great Dane, Rinka, on a desolate moor while threatening Scott. However, Newton's gun either jammed or he lost his nerve, allowing Scott to escape unharmed. Following the incident, Scott, who was visibly shaken, attempted to revive his dog. The case involves co-defendants David Holmes, who was Thorpe’s best man at his 1968 wedding, and others including nightclub owner George Deakin, who is accused of hiring the shooter, and carpet dealer John le Mesurier, who allegedly paid half of the £5,000 contract fee to execute the plan. All co-defendants have pleaded not guilty. The trial continues to unfold as the scandal continues to capture public attention in Britain.

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