‘Thorpe Ruined By Unholy Trio’ (Press, 16 June 1979)

On 16 June 1979, the Old Bailey was the setting for the closing speech in the trial of former Liberal leader Jeremy Thorpe, who faced accusations related to his complex and tumultuous relationship with Norman Scott. During this session, Thorpe's counsel, George Carman, Q.C., described his client's situation as one of "private grief and agony," stemming largely from a misfortune that began with his encounters with Scott, particularly at a time when Thorpe was grappling with his own homosexual tendencies. Carman expressed that Thorpe's political future had been irrevocably damaged, with his personal weaknesses laid bare before the public. He referred to the Crown's three main witnesses as the "unholy trio," disparaging Norman Scott as a liar and scrounger, Peter Bessell as the "Judas Iscariot" of British politics, and Andrew Newton, labelling him as a self-proclaimed "hit man" whose truthfulness was often in question. Throughout his argument, Carman highlighted Thorpe’s significant contributions to British politics, marking him as a figure whose ability and dedication were invaluable. He noted that the political landscape would be diminished without individuals like Thorpe, who had endured personal tragedies, including the death of his first wife and the public scrutiny of unfounded allegations during the trial. The pressures faced by Thorpe were portrayed as overwhelming, leaving lasting scars, especially considering the distress of the situation for his family. Carman defended Thorpe's decision not to testify, arguing that such a choice did not equate to guilt. He pointed out that the motivations behind some individuals’ testimonies were questionable, suggesting that those with potential financial gain from the case may have been inclined to provide false testimony. The counsel also challenged the credibility of the Crown's evidence, suggesting that they had inadvertently discredited their own witness, Newton. He accused the prosecution of inviting the jury into a convoluted guessing game regarding the truthfulness of each witness’s statements. Furthermore, Carman condemned the unprincipled behaviour of the media, asserting that it had clouded the pursuit of justice in the case. Overall, the closing remarks painted a picture of a man besieged by both personal and political turmoil, undermined by former associates and misrepresented by the media, as he awaited the verdict of the jury.

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