1 00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:04,280 Norman. Are you my little Bunny? 2 00:00:04,280 --> 00:00:06,600 Of course, we still have that unfinished business, 3 00:00:06,600 --> 00:00:08,000 the Scottish matter. 4 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:09,920 Leave Norman Scott alone. 5 00:00:09,920 --> 00:00:11,440 It was a relatively modest affair. 6 00:00:11,440 --> 00:00:15,560 There is a man coming from Canada to kill you. Canada? 7 00:00:15,560 --> 00:00:17,920 GUNSHOTS He tried to shoot me! 8 00:00:17,920 --> 00:00:20,160 Who did? Jeremy Thorpe! 9 00:00:20,160 --> 00:00:23,640 Jeremy Thorpe did this! It was Jeremy Thorpe! 10 00:00:29,080 --> 00:00:31,040 RADIO CHATTER 11 00:00:34,000 --> 00:00:39,640 This programme contains some strong language 12 00:00:42,600 --> 00:00:45,560 I'm sorry, but it's true. 13 00:00:47,240 --> 00:00:50,160 I had a homosexual relationship with Jeremy Thorpe, 14 00:00:50,160 --> 00:00:54,160 and if anyone wants to see me dead, it is him. 15 00:01:04,360 --> 00:01:08,040 Now, tell me that again. 16 00:01:08,040 --> 00:01:11,160 I had an affair with Jeremy Thorpe. HE CRIES OUT IN PAIN 17 00:01:11,160 --> 00:01:14,640 Jeremy Thorpe is a Member of Parliament... 18 00:01:14,640 --> 00:01:17,600 Aah! ..and a highly respected man. 19 00:01:17,600 --> 00:01:22,400 He is NOT to be abused by a lying little queer! 20 00:01:24,200 --> 00:01:26,680 NORMAN GASPS AND WHIMPERS 21 00:01:31,360 --> 00:01:33,960 My name is Mrs Edna Friendship. 22 00:01:33,960 --> 00:01:35,960 I'm here about Norman Scott. 23 00:01:35,960 --> 00:01:40,440 I'm afraid we're not allowing any... Mr Scott's would-be assassin 24 00:01:40,440 --> 00:01:43,920 is in his early 30s, with brown hair and a moustache. 25 00:01:43,920 --> 00:01:45,760 On Sunday the 12th of October, 26 00:01:45,760 --> 00:01:49,880 said gentleman was seen in the vicinity of the Market Inn, 27 00:01:49,880 --> 00:01:53,960 Barnstaple, wearing a red rally jacket 28 00:01:53,960 --> 00:01:59,160 and driving a yellow Honda, registration 589 LFT. 29 00:02:01,480 --> 00:02:06,520 Huh. Now, you can stay on the front desk all your life, sonny, 30 00:02:06,520 --> 00:02:10,800 or you can pass on this information and get yourself promoted. 31 00:02:10,800 --> 00:02:13,680 DOG BARKS Come on! 32 00:02:13,680 --> 00:02:15,520 APPROACHING SIREN 33 00:02:15,520 --> 00:02:17,160 Get in. 34 00:02:22,600 --> 00:02:23,920 Mr Andrew Newton? 35 00:02:25,320 --> 00:02:26,800 Maybe I am. 36 00:02:27,960 --> 00:02:30,200 Uh, uh...! HE LAUGHS 37 00:03:15,240 --> 00:03:18,480 They've arrested Andrew Newton... Christ. ..but we can trust him. 38 00:03:18,480 --> 00:03:19,840 He's kept your name out of it. 39 00:03:19,840 --> 00:03:22,080 He said that Norman Scott tried to blackmail him 40 00:03:22,080 --> 00:03:23,760 when you went looking... Sh, sh, sh! 41 00:03:23,760 --> 00:03:25,560 ..for ladies' services in a magazine. 42 00:03:25,560 --> 00:03:27,600 Newton will say he got angry, he shot the dog, 43 00:03:27,600 --> 00:03:28,880 it was all a silly mistake. 44 00:03:28,880 --> 00:03:32,240 It's likely that he'll go to prison, maybe 12 months... 45 00:03:32,240 --> 00:03:33,880 ..but that's bearable. He will do it. 46 00:03:33,880 --> 00:03:39,440 He will serve the time if he receives Â£5,000 on his release. 47 00:03:39,440 --> 00:03:42,360 Now, I can pay the money via John Le Mesurier. 48 00:03:42,360 --> 00:03:44,920 That's it, we're done, we've bought his silence. 49 00:03:46,000 --> 00:03:49,520 John Le Mesurier? Mm. Not the actor. Obviously. 50 00:03:49,520 --> 00:03:51,880 Not the one from Dad's Army. Yes, obviously. 51 00:03:51,880 --> 00:03:54,720 He was married to Hattie Jacques for a while. David. 52 00:03:54,720 --> 00:03:57,240 He can handle the transaction. 53 00:03:57,240 --> 00:03:59,280 John Le Mesurier, not the actor. 54 00:03:59,280 --> 00:04:04,040 It's nothing to do with us. Except you know John Le Mesurier, yes? 55 00:04:04,040 --> 00:04:06,960 Yes. And you're godfather to my son. 56 00:04:06,960 --> 00:04:09,560 Yes. So there's a very clear connection back to me. 57 00:04:09,560 --> 00:04:10,720 Jesus Christ, David! 58 00:04:10,720 --> 00:04:12,840 Don't... No, no, don't tell me, don't tell me. 59 00:04:12,840 --> 00:04:14,720 I don't know any of this. I mean, I don't. 60 00:04:14,720 --> 00:04:18,080 I don't, do I? I never have. I literally, I do not know - 61 00:04:18,080 --> 00:04:20,920 and you will keep it that way. You idiot! 62 00:04:20,920 --> 00:04:23,960 Norman Scott will talk. 63 00:04:23,960 --> 00:04:26,040 But he doesn't know any of this is connected to you. 64 00:04:26,040 --> 00:04:28,840 Except it is connected to me, and now you have given him centre stage. 65 00:04:28,840 --> 00:04:31,560 You have put that stupid babbling man in a court 66 00:04:31,560 --> 00:04:33,680 with a gun and a motive and a dead dog - 67 00:04:33,680 --> 00:04:36,000 and on top of that, he's a bloody fairy! 68 00:04:36,000 --> 00:04:37,480 He will love it! 69 00:04:37,480 --> 00:04:41,000 My Lord, this whole thing is a travesty of justice, 70 00:04:41,000 --> 00:04:44,520 because blaming that man with the gun is one thing, 71 00:04:44,520 --> 00:04:47,840 but I blame the man who gave him orders, 72 00:04:47,840 --> 00:04:50,160 the man who wants me dead. 73 00:04:50,160 --> 00:04:55,240 The man with whom I had a vigorous sexual relationship 74 00:04:55,240 --> 00:05:00,200 for very many years - and that man is Jeremy Thorpe. 75 00:05:00,200 --> 00:05:02,160 HORN HONKS 76 00:05:04,000 --> 00:05:06,200 APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS 77 00:05:06,200 --> 00:05:08,000 PHONE RINGS 78 00:05:15,200 --> 00:05:16,600 CLAMOUR OF VOICES 79 00:05:16,600 --> 00:05:19,520 Good morning. Good morning. What's your relationship with Mr Scott? 80 00:05:19,520 --> 00:05:22,640 Hello, John. Morning, Adrian. Did you have a sexual relationship... 81 00:05:22,640 --> 00:05:25,800 Mr Thorpe... I'm afraid I have a very busy day, 82 00:05:25,800 --> 00:05:29,480 so good day to you all. Will you stand down, Mr Thorpe? 83 00:05:29,480 --> 00:05:31,800 Nice to see you. 84 00:05:31,800 --> 00:05:33,480 This one calls you nauseous... 85 00:05:33,480 --> 00:05:35,200 ..and look at the News of the World. 86 00:05:35,200 --> 00:05:38,120 "No-one would hang a cat on his word." 87 00:05:38,120 --> 00:05:42,040 This is the worst. "An erratic and desperate man, 88 00:05:42,040 --> 00:05:44,040 "set on character assassination." 89 00:05:44,040 --> 00:05:45,960 Maybe I should get some new photographs taken. 90 00:05:45,960 --> 00:05:47,680 Norman, are you enjoying this? 91 00:05:47,680 --> 00:05:50,840 No. You've got Fleet Street on the attack, 92 00:05:50,840 --> 00:05:53,800 and they smell blood. If I were you, I'd lay low. 93 00:05:53,800 --> 00:05:57,320 I will not! I've had quite enough of that, thank you very much. 94 00:05:57,320 --> 00:05:58,800 I just need to prove that he's lying, 95 00:05:58,800 --> 00:06:00,240 because I had evidence, years ago. 96 00:06:00,240 --> 00:06:01,720 I had letters from Jeremy Thorpe, 97 00:06:01,720 --> 00:06:03,200 but I gave them to the police. 98 00:06:05,000 --> 00:06:06,680 What did they do with them? 99 00:06:06,680 --> 00:06:10,040 I don't know, they put them on file, or whatever the word is - 100 00:06:10,040 --> 00:06:12,800 but the police keep everything, don't they? 101 00:06:12,800 --> 00:06:14,600 What if they're still there? 102 00:06:14,600 --> 00:06:16,600 Two letters from you to Scott. 103 00:06:16,600 --> 00:06:19,720 Turns out they've been locked away since 1962... 104 00:06:19,720 --> 00:06:21,080 ..but these are just copies. 105 00:06:21,080 --> 00:06:23,240 Norman Scott has demanded the originals back, 106 00:06:23,240 --> 00:06:24,760 and I've got no power to stop him. 107 00:06:24,760 --> 00:06:27,920 I'm afraid to say, I think Scott will publish. 108 00:06:27,920 --> 00:06:30,440 Oh, Christ, not this one. 109 00:06:30,440 --> 00:06:34,240 But evidence goes missing all the time. Policemen lie. 110 00:06:34,240 --> 00:06:36,280 Why can't this stuff just disappear? 111 00:06:36,280 --> 00:06:38,600 Why is everyone suddenly so bloody honest? 112 00:06:38,600 --> 00:06:40,400 I'd advise that we find a safe newspaper 113 00:06:40,400 --> 00:06:42,000 and publish the letters ourselves, 114 00:06:42,000 --> 00:06:44,440 accompanied by an interview entirely in your favour. 115 00:06:44,440 --> 00:06:45,920 I can't let people see these. 116 00:06:45,920 --> 00:06:47,960 I can't deny there will be consequences, 117 00:06:47,960 --> 00:06:50,480 but if you don't publish the letters, Scott will. 118 00:06:50,480 --> 00:06:53,040 It could be your version of events, or his. 119 00:06:53,040 --> 00:06:55,160 Well, then, we have to cut that bit. No, we can't. 120 00:06:55,160 --> 00:06:57,520 We have to cut that word. Which word? That one there. 121 00:06:57,520 --> 00:06:59,320 What one? That one! Bunnies! 122 00:07:02,320 --> 00:07:03,360 Bunnies?! 123 00:07:04,880 --> 00:07:05,920 Bunnies?! 124 00:07:07,720 --> 00:07:09,760 Bunnies?! 125 00:07:09,760 --> 00:07:13,600 Rupert, darling, I want you to take that piece of toast 126 00:07:13,600 --> 00:07:18,360 and eat it in your room, hmm? Yes, Papa. There's a good boy. 127 00:07:21,280 --> 00:07:24,640 "Bunnies can and will go to France. 128 00:07:24,640 --> 00:07:27,280 "Yours, affectionately, Jeremy. PS, I miss you." 129 00:07:28,280 --> 00:07:32,320 So...you're Bunnies, are you, Norman? 130 00:07:32,320 --> 00:07:33,880 It was my nickname. 131 00:07:35,040 --> 00:07:37,280 I liked it. SHE CHUCKLES 132 00:07:37,280 --> 00:07:39,880 Technically he was Bunny, singular. 133 00:07:39,880 --> 00:07:41,760 Then why did you say "Bunnies"? 134 00:07:41,760 --> 00:07:45,200 Were there two of you? Are you a Bunny? 135 00:07:45,200 --> 00:07:47,000 Am I married to a Bunny? 136 00:07:48,160 --> 00:07:51,160 No, I was using a generic noun in an imperative clause. 137 00:07:51,160 --> 00:07:53,160 Well, thank God it's grammatically correct, 138 00:07:53,160 --> 00:07:56,400 because the whole country's reading this! Bunnies! 139 00:07:59,920 --> 00:08:01,400 BBC NEWS THEME ON TV 140 00:08:07,120 --> 00:08:10,640 Well, I saw David Steel, handed him my letter. 141 00:08:12,400 --> 00:08:16,280 I have resigned as leader of the Liberal Party. 142 00:08:18,320 --> 00:08:19,880 One word. 143 00:08:19,880 --> 00:08:21,880 One bloody word brought me down. 144 00:08:21,880 --> 00:08:24,760 No, it wasn't Bunnies. 145 00:08:24,760 --> 00:08:27,200 It's because you lied. 146 00:08:27,200 --> 00:08:29,760 You told the party you hardly knew Norman Scott, 147 00:08:29,760 --> 00:08:31,880 then the Bunnies letter caught you out. 148 00:08:31,880 --> 00:08:35,560 From that moment on, your position was untenable. 149 00:08:35,560 --> 00:08:39,200 Now, Rupert's with Alison and James. 150 00:08:39,200 --> 00:08:41,560 I've packed that little case of his. 151 00:08:41,560 --> 00:08:43,840 They said he could stay the night 152 00:08:43,840 --> 00:08:46,880 so that you and I can talk about everything. 153 00:08:49,120 --> 00:08:51,240 I've made cod in parsley sauce. 154 00:08:56,200 --> 00:08:58,560 Before I met you, 155 00:08:58,560 --> 00:09:00,440 um, before I met Caroline... 156 00:09:04,520 --> 00:09:06,080 I had moments, I... 157 00:09:07,880 --> 00:09:12,560 ..certain nights, unfortunate nights, involving alcohol... 158 00:09:14,560 --> 00:09:16,200 ..and, um... 159 00:09:16,200 --> 00:09:18,680 ..with no women in the vicinity, I... 160 00:09:22,920 --> 00:09:25,360 I would dabble, to relieve myself... 161 00:09:27,800 --> 00:09:29,280 ..and that's all. 162 00:09:31,000 --> 00:09:33,160 So, this thing with Norman Scott, 163 00:09:33,160 --> 00:09:35,240 it wasn't a relationship? 164 00:09:35,240 --> 00:09:39,000 Oh! How could it be? Jeremy, I'm not a fool. 165 00:09:39,000 --> 00:09:42,600 I practically grew up with Benjamin Britten. 166 00:09:42,600 --> 00:09:45,800 I've seen something of the world. I fled from Hitler, for God's sake. 167 00:09:45,800 --> 00:09:48,760 My own son married a hippie in a yurt, 168 00:09:48,760 --> 00:09:50,440 and I've toured with orchestras. 169 00:09:50,440 --> 00:09:52,920 I couldn't begin to tell you the things I've seen, 170 00:09:52,920 --> 00:09:54,760 so there's no need to protect me. 171 00:09:56,600 --> 00:09:58,360 I made mistakes, and I've stopped. 172 00:10:01,080 --> 00:10:03,560 And I swear I had nothing to do with that gun and the dog and... 173 00:10:03,560 --> 00:10:04,840 Of course you didn't. Jeremy! 174 00:10:04,840 --> 00:10:07,080 Absolutely nothing to do with me. I'm not even asking. 175 00:10:07,080 --> 00:10:10,640 I won't dignify it with discussion, and there's an end to it. Thank you. 176 00:10:16,280 --> 00:10:20,480 For what it's worth, I think people are focused on the word "Bunnies"... 177 00:10:22,320 --> 00:10:25,280 ..but the last thing you wrote in that letter was, "I miss you". 178 00:10:26,840 --> 00:10:30,160 I think that's a wonderful thing for a man to say to his friend. 179 00:10:40,960 --> 00:10:42,680 Are you all right? 180 00:10:55,520 --> 00:10:58,160 HE CHUCKLES Very nice dinner. 181 00:10:58,160 --> 00:11:00,680 Very nice. 182 00:11:00,680 --> 00:11:02,240 Thank you. 183 00:11:05,680 --> 00:11:07,920 I think this is a new start, isn't it? 184 00:11:07,920 --> 00:11:10,480 I'm still a Member of Parliament, there's work to be done. 185 00:11:10,480 --> 00:11:12,440 The party could do with a change in leadership, 186 00:11:12,440 --> 00:11:14,480 and all that new blood coming in - Clement Freud, 187 00:11:14,480 --> 00:11:19,120 Cyril Smith, exciting times. And what about Norman Scott? 188 00:11:19,120 --> 00:11:21,880 Are we finished with him? Absolutely. Absolutely. 189 00:11:21,880 --> 00:11:24,120 Damn him, but there's nothing more he can do. 190 00:11:29,360 --> 00:11:33,480 Mr Newton? Stewart Cutley, Evening News. We meet at last. 191 00:11:33,480 --> 00:11:36,720 The longest 12 months of my life. Hey, I'm warning you, 192 00:11:36,720 --> 00:11:39,560 I want 75 grand for my side of the story. 193 00:11:39,560 --> 00:11:43,080 I'm bloody Watergate, I am. I can give you 3,000 tops. 194 00:11:43,080 --> 00:11:44,680 Deal? Deal. 195 00:11:49,240 --> 00:11:51,920 JOURNALISTS CLAMOUR 196 00:12:04,480 --> 00:12:06,640 Andrew Newton can name the men who paid him 197 00:12:06,640 --> 00:12:08,280 but he's never met you in his life. 198 00:12:08,280 --> 00:12:11,120 The police don't have any actual proof, none whatsoever - 199 00:12:11,120 --> 00:12:14,200 and who can they summon as a witness? No-one. 200 00:12:24,360 --> 00:12:26,840 Jeremy Thorpe, the dirty sod! 201 00:12:26,840 --> 00:12:28,640 We should take this to the papers. 202 00:12:29,760 --> 00:12:32,280 Mr Peter Bessell. Who's he, then? 203 00:12:38,040 --> 00:12:39,800 I need to ask you, Mr Bessell, 204 00:12:39,800 --> 00:12:43,560 would you cooperate in bringing a case against Jeremy Thorpe? 205 00:12:43,560 --> 00:12:46,960 Specifically, would you appear in court as a witness? 206 00:12:46,960 --> 00:12:49,400 You mean, as a prosecution witness? 207 00:12:49,400 --> 00:12:55,680 Yes. You'll be fully aware that Jeremy Thorpe is my best friend. 208 00:12:55,680 --> 00:13:01,240 HE COUGHS I'm sorry. I've been unwell. 209 00:13:01,240 --> 00:13:03,240 Of course, sir - 210 00:13:03,240 --> 00:13:06,040 and I respect your position, 211 00:13:06,040 --> 00:13:08,280 but we have a letter here 212 00:13:08,280 --> 00:13:12,560 concerning the relationship between Mr Scott and Mr Thorpe. 213 00:13:12,560 --> 00:13:15,120 Oh, you mean the Bunnies one? It's nothing. 214 00:13:15,120 --> 00:13:19,520 Bunnies, you people don't realise, public schools are run on nicknames. 215 00:13:19,520 --> 00:13:22,120 Everyone I know it is a Bunny or a Beano or a Biffo. 216 00:13:22,120 --> 00:13:24,120 I don't mean Bunnies. 217 00:13:24,120 --> 00:13:26,200 I mean this. 218 00:13:26,200 --> 00:13:30,440 A letter from Norman Scott to Jeremy Thorpe's mother, 17 pages, 219 00:13:30,440 --> 00:13:33,960 describing his explicit relationship with her son... 220 00:13:39,000 --> 00:13:40,480 ..and these. 221 00:13:42,200 --> 00:13:44,480 Letters from Scott to you, Mr Bessell, 222 00:13:44,480 --> 00:13:48,040 detailing money paid by you to him as a retainer. 223 00:13:48,040 --> 00:13:51,320 Regular payments over many years. 224 00:13:51,320 --> 00:13:55,080 Where did you find them? Exactly where you left them. 225 00:13:55,080 --> 00:13:59,000 From your office they went to the Sunday Mirror, and from them to us - 226 00:13:59,000 --> 00:14:02,080 and I get a trip to California as a result, so thank you for that. 227 00:14:02,080 --> 00:14:03,600 Peter, your name is all over this. 228 00:14:04,840 --> 00:14:06,320 You need to ask for immunity. 229 00:14:06,320 --> 00:14:08,920 You need a lawyer and you need immunity right now. 230 00:14:08,920 --> 00:14:12,920 We've agreed to consider immunity, if you speak up. 231 00:14:12,920 --> 00:14:15,600 This is exactly what your wife said. 232 00:14:15,600 --> 00:14:19,560 She said that Thorpe would fall one day and he would take you with him. 233 00:14:19,560 --> 00:14:23,120 I'm asking you to put aside that old pals act 234 00:14:23,120 --> 00:14:26,320 for something more important - the truth. 235 00:14:35,800 --> 00:14:39,320 Good afternoon. This way, sir. It won't take long. 236 00:14:39,320 --> 00:14:42,200 Home for supper. Once they've officially questioned you 237 00:14:42,200 --> 00:14:45,080 about this Newton chap, the press might finally shut up. 238 00:14:48,880 --> 00:14:50,720 Good afternoon, Mr Thorpe. 239 00:14:50,720 --> 00:14:53,440 Sir David. My name's Chief Superintendent Michael Challes. 240 00:14:53,440 --> 00:14:55,240 Now, I'm sure I'm sure you'll appreciate 241 00:14:55,240 --> 00:14:57,600 that my client's a very busy man. John Jeremy Thorpe, 242 00:14:57,600 --> 00:15:00,640 I'm arresting you for conspiracy to murder Norman Scott 243 00:15:00,640 --> 00:15:02,480 on Friday the 24th of October 1975, 244 00:15:02,480 --> 00:15:05,160 with the further charge of incitement to murder. 245 00:15:05,160 --> 00:15:07,960 I must caution you that you're not obliged to say anything 246 00:15:07,960 --> 00:15:11,240 unless you wish to do so, but what you do say may be given in evidence. 247 00:15:20,360 --> 00:15:22,760 I'm so sorry. 248 00:15:22,760 --> 00:15:25,400 If you could just wait here for the others. 249 00:15:25,400 --> 00:15:27,320 Mr Thorpe. 250 00:15:27,320 --> 00:15:31,040 Very nice to meet you, sir. Very great honour. 251 00:15:31,040 --> 00:15:33,600 Albeit in these difficult circumstances. 252 00:15:33,600 --> 00:15:36,440 Fucking mess, this is. My name's John Le Mesurier. 253 00:15:36,440 --> 00:15:38,400 Not the actor, obviously. 254 00:15:41,120 --> 00:15:43,240 I've always voted Liberal, sir. 255 00:15:43,240 --> 00:15:46,120 Waste of a vote. There's no need to be rude! 256 00:15:46,120 --> 00:15:48,320 My solicitor is from Swansea. 257 00:15:48,320 --> 00:15:51,120 I bet he's had his flown in from Geneva. You watch him stitch us up. 258 00:15:51,120 --> 00:15:53,480 All right now, leave it. Oh, you can shut it, David! 259 00:15:53,480 --> 00:15:55,920 Or have we never met? Oh, sorry, don't know you, do I? 260 00:15:55,920 --> 00:15:57,960 You bumhole! 261 00:15:57,960 --> 00:15:59,440 Ready for you. 262 00:16:04,800 --> 00:16:06,480 How do you plead, Mr Thorpe? 263 00:16:08,240 --> 00:16:12,040 I will vigorously defend these charges and plead not guilty. 264 00:16:12,040 --> 00:16:16,120 Gentlemen, you will be remanded until the 12th of September 265 00:16:16,120 --> 00:16:17,720 on bail of Â£5,000 each. 266 00:16:19,600 --> 00:16:22,480 Who were those awful men? Who were they? I said, just drive! 267 00:16:22,480 --> 00:16:24,520 They worked in carpets?! I am, I'm trying. I know - 268 00:16:24,520 --> 00:16:26,240 since when did gangsters work in carpets? 269 00:16:26,240 --> 00:16:29,120 For God's sake, just get us out! And they were Welsh! 270 00:16:29,120 --> 00:16:31,400 Why were they Welsh? Sorry, I...new car. Drive! 271 00:16:31,400 --> 00:16:32,440 TYRES SCREECH 272 00:16:34,000 --> 00:16:36,640 The question is, who's going to represent you in court? 273 00:16:36,640 --> 00:16:39,120 The papers are trying you on a daily basis. 274 00:16:39,120 --> 00:16:41,200 You'll need someone remarkable. 275 00:16:41,200 --> 00:16:43,560 If I might suggest, sir, George Carman. 276 00:16:44,960 --> 00:16:47,920 We were at Oxford. Is he good? 277 00:16:47,920 --> 00:16:51,080 Well, it depends. He's a drinker and a gambler, 278 00:16:51,080 --> 00:16:54,040 and his second wife left him for George Best. 279 00:16:54,040 --> 00:16:57,560 Oh, he's good. I saw him defend the manager of that big dipper 280 00:16:57,560 --> 00:17:00,520 at Battersea, the one that killed five children. 281 00:17:00,520 --> 00:17:03,560 Got him off scot-free, blamed the nuts and bolts. 282 00:17:03,560 --> 00:17:07,520 It was one of the finest things I've ever seen. Not for the parents. 283 00:17:07,520 --> 00:17:10,320 Oh, quite. He was merciless. 284 00:17:10,320 --> 00:17:14,040 That's what we need. It depends if he's free. 285 00:17:14,040 --> 00:17:17,800 He'd want this, wouldn't he? Surely no case could be bigger. 286 00:17:17,800 --> 00:17:21,040 No, I mean, it depends it depends if HE'S free. 287 00:17:25,320 --> 00:17:28,840 They're letting you go, George. God knows how you get away with it. 288 00:17:28,840 --> 00:17:31,120 I have friends in high places. 289 00:17:31,120 --> 00:17:33,880 Even better friends in low places. 290 00:17:33,880 --> 00:17:38,040 Goodbye, Dickie! Bye! And try to stay out of trouble, eh? 291 00:17:38,040 --> 00:17:40,480 Let's not pretend. I'll see you next week. 292 00:17:40,480 --> 00:17:44,120 Get me another blanket, that one is so coarse. Hmph. 293 00:17:47,600 --> 00:17:51,760 Thank you, my dear. Hello. Good God, I'm sorry I'm late. 294 00:17:51,760 --> 00:17:54,680 I swear, I promised I'd be on time. I do apologise. 295 00:17:54,680 --> 00:17:57,360 Hello. There was this thing, I was just... 296 00:17:57,360 --> 00:17:59,200 Well, never mind. Sorry, sorry, sorry. 297 00:17:59,200 --> 00:18:02,400 Not at all, George. It's a very good trick. Er, hold on. 298 00:18:02,400 --> 00:18:04,040 Your girl made me a coffee. 299 00:18:04,040 --> 00:18:07,760 She's very good, very sharp. What's her name? Jennifer. 300 00:18:07,760 --> 00:18:10,040 I don't know where to put this without leaving a ring, 301 00:18:10,040 --> 00:18:12,200 although it doesn't really matter, does it? 302 00:18:12,200 --> 00:18:16,280 Anyway, very great honour to see you again, Jeremy. 303 00:18:16,280 --> 00:18:20,040 Sir David. This is a mess, isn't it? 304 00:18:20,040 --> 00:18:23,520 What a great big stinking mess you've got yourself into. 305 00:18:23,520 --> 00:18:27,240 What trick? The person who's late is immediately in charge of the room. 306 00:18:29,440 --> 00:18:31,360 I want to say, congratulations. 307 00:18:31,360 --> 00:18:33,440 What for? These are the greatest charges 308 00:18:33,440 --> 00:18:35,840 ever levelled against a Member of Parliament - 309 00:18:35,840 --> 00:18:38,480 and considering the House of Commons has had 270 years 310 00:18:38,480 --> 00:18:40,040 of bastards, liars, perverts, 311 00:18:40,040 --> 00:18:42,400 thieves, blackmailers, inbreds and arsonists, 312 00:18:42,400 --> 00:18:44,960 that really is quite an achievement. THEY CHUCKLE 313 00:18:47,960 --> 00:18:52,800 To business. Now, I think the best way to undermine the prosecution 314 00:18:52,800 --> 00:18:57,200 is to tackle them on conspiracy to murder. It's a fair point. 315 00:18:57,200 --> 00:19:00,280 When the defendant defends himself, it's a disaster. 316 00:19:01,640 --> 00:19:05,960 You left Oxford with a third. I left Oxford with a first. 317 00:19:05,960 --> 00:19:07,560 Granted. Thank you. 318 00:19:07,560 --> 00:19:10,360 Then I have a task for both of you. 319 00:19:10,360 --> 00:19:11,840 The trial starts on April the 30th, 320 00:19:11,840 --> 00:19:15,200 but Callaghan has announced the general election for May the 3rd, 321 00:19:15,200 --> 00:19:16,640 so I need the trial delayed. 322 00:19:16,640 --> 00:19:20,080 You're standing for election? Of course I am. Is that wise? 323 00:19:21,760 --> 00:19:28,160 Speller, Antony, Conservative Party - 324 00:19:28,160 --> 00:19:32,400 31,811 votes. CHEERING AND APPLAUSE 325 00:19:33,400 --> 00:19:36,680 Thorpe, John Jeremy, Liberal Party - 326 00:19:36,680 --> 00:19:41,240 23,338 votes. CHEERING AND APPLAUSE 327 00:19:41,240 --> 00:19:45,120 Waugh, Auberon, Dog Lovers' Party - 328 00:19:45,120 --> 00:19:47,960 79 votes. MOCK BARKING AND APPLAUSE 329 00:19:47,960 --> 00:19:51,800 I declare Antony Speller duly elected as Member of Parliament... 330 00:19:51,800 --> 00:19:54,840 CHEERING AND APPLAUSE 331 00:20:58,280 --> 00:21:01,800 Don't worry. We're old friends from way back. 332 00:21:01,800 --> 00:21:04,520 We'll get him to the Old Bailey, safe and sound. 333 00:21:04,520 --> 00:21:07,960 Goodbye, Edna. Thank you. Bye. 334 00:21:09,480 --> 00:21:13,360 Love your pub, by the way. It's adorable. London calling. 335 00:21:43,600 --> 00:21:46,640 Why does he have cushions? Just take your place, sir. 336 00:21:46,640 --> 00:21:48,360 He has cushions and we don't. 337 00:21:51,960 --> 00:21:54,760 We'll be fine. It's all going to be fine. 338 00:21:54,760 --> 00:21:56,560 I was talking to my brief, 339 00:21:56,560 --> 00:22:01,000 he says that this could be over in three days. Five days, tops. 340 00:22:01,000 --> 00:22:04,760 In fact, he thinks there's a chance that we could sue 341 00:22:04,760 --> 00:22:07,000 for defamation of character. 342 00:22:07,000 --> 00:22:10,600 Red tops, all of them. We could actually end up quids in. 343 00:22:10,600 --> 00:22:13,000 Apparently there's a witness 344 00:22:13,000 --> 00:22:17,680 who claimed that Norman Scott said he was a ballet dancer. 345 00:22:17,680 --> 00:22:21,280 He only stopped dancing when a piano fell on his toe. 346 00:22:21,280 --> 00:22:23,360 It's like he's a sugar plum fairy. HE LAUGHS 347 00:22:23,360 --> 00:22:26,080 He says he belongs to the aristocracy! 348 00:22:26,080 --> 00:22:28,120 Holmes. The man is a born liar. 349 00:22:28,120 --> 00:22:31,160 My client asks that you do not address him 350 00:22:31,160 --> 00:22:33,560 in any way, shape or form, ever. 351 00:22:35,560 --> 00:22:37,320 All rise. 352 00:22:54,160 --> 00:22:56,640 M'lud, I'd like to ask the court on the half of my client, 353 00:22:56,640 --> 00:22:59,600 Mr George Deakin, to lift all reporting restrictions. 354 00:22:59,600 --> 00:23:01,040 What?! 355 00:23:01,040 --> 00:23:03,440 There's no mention. M'lud, I must object. 356 00:23:03,440 --> 00:23:06,360 Mr Deakin wants it known that he welcomes the fullest scrutiny. 357 00:23:06,360 --> 00:23:09,400 I must point out we asked for a Section 7. 358 00:23:09,400 --> 00:23:12,080 This trial will contain false allegations 359 00:23:12,080 --> 00:23:16,200 of an intimate and sexual nature. Nonetheless, my hands are tied. 360 00:23:16,200 --> 00:23:19,200 If these proceedings are reported in the press and on television, 361 00:23:19,200 --> 00:23:22,800 it will humiliate my client and damage his reputation for life! 362 00:23:22,800 --> 00:23:25,160 You know how the law stands, Mr Carman. 363 00:23:25,160 --> 00:23:28,280 If one party applies to have restrictions lifted, 364 00:23:28,280 --> 00:23:30,200 then they must be adopted by all. 365 00:23:31,600 --> 00:23:34,960 Outrageous. Well played, Mr Deakin. 366 00:23:34,960 --> 00:23:36,000 My Lord. 367 00:23:37,320 --> 00:23:38,680 Cushions! 368 00:23:40,000 --> 00:23:42,240 Oh, my God. They've lifted restrictions! 369 00:23:44,680 --> 00:23:48,640 Everything they're saying in the court, it's all here! Oh, my God! 370 00:23:48,640 --> 00:23:50,760 It's public! 371 00:23:50,760 --> 00:23:52,960 At last! 372 00:23:52,960 --> 00:23:55,280 TV NEWS JINGLE 373 00:23:57,320 --> 00:24:00,200 'Good evening. There could be serious disruption 374 00:24:00,200 --> 00:24:02,120 'in the power stations next month. 375 00:24:02,120 --> 00:24:04,920 'The engineers there are to hold a strike ballot.' 376 00:24:04,920 --> 00:24:08,120 TV: 'Fascinating scenes today here at the Old Bailey, 377 00:24:08,120 --> 00:24:11,600 'on the first day in which Jeremy Thorpe has been put on trial 378 00:24:11,600 --> 00:24:13,280 'for conspiracy to murder.' 379 00:24:13,280 --> 00:24:17,640 'The prosecution outlined how Thorpe and Mr Scott first met in 1961 380 00:24:17,640 --> 00:24:20,280 'and began a homosexual relationship.' 381 00:24:20,280 --> 00:24:23,160 That's me! On the telly! 382 00:24:23,160 --> 00:24:25,800 Mr Scott! 'Thorpe and Scott first met on 383 00:24:25,800 --> 00:24:28,200 'the property of a Mr Norman van de Vater, 384 00:24:28,200 --> 00:24:30,440 'where Thorpe gave Scott his telephone number, 385 00:24:30,440 --> 00:24:32,760 'with a general invitation to visit him in London. 386 00:24:32,760 --> 00:24:34,920 'Some 12 months later, Scott went to London...' 387 00:24:34,920 --> 00:24:37,080 Mrs F, we've got customers. Shh! 388 00:24:37,080 --> 00:24:38,400 I'm not missing this! 389 00:24:38,400 --> 00:24:41,640 'Mr Thorpe took Mr Scott and his Jack Russell terrier, 390 00:24:41,640 --> 00:24:44,640 'called Mrs Tish, to the house of Thorpe's mother, 391 00:24:44,640 --> 00:24:46,920 'Mrs Ursula Thorpe, at Oxted, Surrey.' 392 00:24:46,920 --> 00:24:48,200 PHONE RINGS 393 00:24:48,200 --> 00:24:49,720 'The court heard that "Bunnies" 394 00:24:49,720 --> 00:24:52,320 'was a reference to their first night together, 395 00:24:52,320 --> 00:24:55,640 'when Thorpe said that Scott looked like a frightened rabbit. 396 00:24:55,640 --> 00:25:01,480 'This night at Thorpe's mother's was the start of a homosexual affair.' 397 00:25:01,480 --> 00:25:03,080 This is filthy. 398 00:25:03,080 --> 00:25:05,000 '..proved this was a physical relationship.' 399 00:25:05,000 --> 00:25:08,080 I can't believe they can say this on the BBC. 400 00:25:08,080 --> 00:25:10,520 'It is alleged that Thorpe gave Scott money 401 00:25:10,520 --> 00:25:13,720 'with which he rented a room at Draycott Place in Chelsea, 402 00:25:13,720 --> 00:25:15,840 'where Thorpe was a frequent visitor. 403 00:25:15,840 --> 00:25:19,440 'The court heard that Scott ordered a pair of silk pyjamas 404 00:25:19,440 --> 00:25:23,560 'from Gieves of Bond Street, charging them to Thorpe's account.' 405 00:25:30,440 --> 00:25:34,400 M'lud. The prosecution calls Mr Peter Bessell. 406 00:26:02,560 --> 00:26:06,360 Take the Bible in your right hand. Repeat after me. 407 00:26:06,360 --> 00:26:10,240 'Astonishing scenes in court today as former MP Peter Bessell 408 00:26:10,240 --> 00:26:12,240 'gave a devastating testimony. 409 00:26:12,240 --> 00:26:16,360 'He said he'd witnessed Mr Thorpe demanding Norman Scott's death 410 00:26:16,360 --> 00:26:18,200 'on multiple occasions, 411 00:26:18,200 --> 00:26:21,160 'by shooting Mr Scott or breaking his neck 412 00:26:21,160 --> 00:26:23,400 'or burying his body in cement.' 413 00:26:23,400 --> 00:26:26,520 Peter Bessell, a good friend of yours. 414 00:26:26,520 --> 00:26:27,760 How do you want me to handle it? 415 00:26:29,040 --> 00:26:30,640 He's a Judas. 416 00:26:31,920 --> 00:26:33,480 Mr Bessell. 417 00:26:34,840 --> 00:26:38,920 Might I ask what prompted you to testify here today? 418 00:26:38,920 --> 00:26:42,040 A sense of justice, perhaps? That was a factor, yes. 419 00:26:42,040 --> 00:26:46,360 Then, if your sense of justice is so paramount, can I ask, 420 00:26:46,360 --> 00:26:49,840 when the leader of the Liberal Party told you, as you claim, 421 00:26:49,840 --> 00:26:52,240 that he wanted a man murdered, 422 00:26:52,240 --> 00:26:53,960 who did you tell? 423 00:26:56,600 --> 00:26:59,960 Did you tell anyone in the party? No. Did you tell the police? 424 00:26:59,960 --> 00:27:04,120 No. Did you tell Mrs Thorpe? No. So you told no-one 425 00:27:04,120 --> 00:27:08,120 that the leader of the Liberals must be insane? 426 00:27:08,120 --> 00:27:10,560 Er, no, no, I did not. 427 00:27:10,560 --> 00:27:12,840 Then you lied. I didn't exactly lie. 428 00:27:12,840 --> 00:27:16,640 Yes or no - did you lie about what you knew, to everyone? 429 00:27:16,640 --> 00:27:20,480 Well, by omission, yes. Then you're a liar. 430 00:27:20,480 --> 00:27:26,360 I...suppose I have lied to many people on many occasions. 431 00:27:26,360 --> 00:27:29,520 Gosh, I have something of a credibility problem, yes. 432 00:27:29,520 --> 00:27:30,560 MUTTERING 433 00:27:30,560 --> 00:27:33,000 Then why should the jury believe a word you say? 434 00:27:33,000 --> 00:27:34,280 Because I'm not lying now. 435 00:27:34,280 --> 00:27:36,160 Except, having been granted immunity, 436 00:27:36,160 --> 00:27:37,720 you could say whatever you like. 437 00:27:37,720 --> 00:27:42,880 Did you serve in the war? What? Um, no, I did not, 438 00:27:42,880 --> 00:27:45,440 I was a conscientious objector. 439 00:27:45,440 --> 00:27:48,360 So you only objected to acts of violence in wartime, 440 00:27:48,360 --> 00:27:51,360 when it saved your neck? That's not fair, I did my bit. 441 00:27:51,360 --> 00:27:57,240 In what way? I gave lectures to the Armed Forces in classical music. 442 00:27:57,240 --> 00:28:00,040 LAUGHTER 443 00:28:00,040 --> 00:28:03,240 Well, no wonder we won, Mr Bessell! LAUGHTER 444 00:28:04,560 --> 00:28:08,320 Are you a drug addict? What? Are you a drug addict? 445 00:28:08,320 --> 00:28:10,400 No, I'm not. M'lud, I must ask... 446 00:28:10,400 --> 00:28:12,840 No. I imagine this might be important. 447 00:28:12,840 --> 00:28:16,440 M'lud, this constitutes an attack on the witness' character. 448 00:28:16,440 --> 00:28:18,800 Let's discover that for ourselves. 449 00:28:18,800 --> 00:28:21,080 Mr Carman, you may continue. 450 00:28:21,080 --> 00:28:24,440 What sort of drugs did you mean? Do you mean prescription drugs? 451 00:28:24,440 --> 00:28:26,840 I mean a drug called Mandrax. 452 00:28:26,840 --> 00:28:30,640 Right, yes, I'm sorry. It's a sleeping tablet on prescription. 453 00:28:30,640 --> 00:28:33,720 I suppose I developed something of an addiction. 454 00:28:33,720 --> 00:28:36,280 Mandrax is commonly known to the police 455 00:28:36,280 --> 00:28:40,520 as "disco biscuits", is that right? I don't know. Disco biscuits? 456 00:28:40,520 --> 00:28:43,000 Discotheque, M'lud, is a dance hall, 457 00:28:43,000 --> 00:28:46,640 and biscuits is a euphemism for hard drugs. 458 00:28:46,640 --> 00:28:48,520 I was taken ill. It wasn't... 459 00:28:49,560 --> 00:28:53,000 I was diagnosed with emphysema. 460 00:28:53,000 --> 00:28:55,600 I really am very sorry to hear that. 461 00:28:55,600 --> 00:28:58,880 Thank you. It's fatal, isn't it? 462 00:28:58,880 --> 00:29:01,480 GASPS AND MUTTERING 463 00:29:03,080 --> 00:29:04,680 Yes. 464 00:29:04,680 --> 00:29:08,800 Which is why I wanted to confess, now, at the end. 465 00:29:08,800 --> 00:29:10,160 That's very kind of you. 466 00:29:10,160 --> 00:29:13,240 M'lud, I'm grateful for my colleague's sympathy... 467 00:29:13,240 --> 00:29:16,760 I'm just wondering, now that you live in California, 468 00:29:16,760 --> 00:29:19,080 outside the National Health Service, 469 00:29:19,080 --> 00:29:24,040 was that your reason for signing this? I'm...sorry? 470 00:29:24,040 --> 00:29:28,160 It's your contract with the Sunday Telegraph - do you recognise it? 471 00:29:28,160 --> 00:29:32,000 I withdraw that question. Of course you recognise it, you've signed it. 472 00:29:32,000 --> 00:29:34,560 It confirms that when this trial is over, 473 00:29:34,560 --> 00:29:38,680 it will publish your side of the story for the amount of Â£25,000. 474 00:29:38,680 --> 00:29:40,400 Is that correct? 475 00:29:40,400 --> 00:29:42,160 Yes. 476 00:29:42,160 --> 00:29:47,120 Â£25,000. Yes... Yes. 477 00:29:47,120 --> 00:29:50,960 Unless... Unless Mr Thorpe is found guilty, 478 00:29:50,960 --> 00:29:55,680 in which case they will double the amount and pay you Â£50,000. 479 00:29:55,680 --> 00:29:57,160 Is that correct? Yes. GASPS 480 00:29:57,160 --> 00:30:00,920 So, if you can stand in this court and make my client appear guilty, 481 00:30:00,920 --> 00:30:03,840 then, in the popular language of Mr Hughie Green, 482 00:30:03,840 --> 00:30:06,640 you win double the money. Is that correct, sir? 483 00:30:06,640 --> 00:30:08,680 Yes. No more questions. 484 00:30:38,160 --> 00:30:40,520 Oh, my God, Norman! 485 00:30:40,520 --> 00:30:44,000 They're tearing people apart in that courtroom. 486 00:30:44,000 --> 00:30:47,280 Just think what they're going to say about you. 487 00:30:47,280 --> 00:30:51,280 Comedy Room. Muriel. Francis bloody Bacon! 488 00:30:53,080 --> 00:30:54,840 What the hell are you going to do? 489 00:30:57,080 --> 00:30:58,880 Shall we go out and get drunk? 490 00:30:58,880 --> 00:31:01,920 MUSIC: Knock On Wood by Amii Stewart 491 00:31:01,920 --> 00:31:04,240 # Cos your love is better 492 00:31:04,240 --> 00:31:06,280 # Than any love I know 493 00:31:06,280 --> 00:31:09,720 # It's like thunder, lightning 494 00:31:09,720 --> 00:31:13,360 # The way you love me is frightening 495 00:31:13,360 --> 00:31:15,760 # You better knock, knock... # 496 00:31:17,360 --> 00:31:19,040 Oh, my... 497 00:31:20,960 --> 00:31:24,320 Norman! Mr Scott! REPORTERS CLAMOUR 498 00:31:24,320 --> 00:31:28,680 No, I can't really... Please, I can't. They're calling you a liar. 499 00:31:28,680 --> 00:31:30,800 Saying you made up the whole thing. 500 00:31:43,680 --> 00:31:45,080 Brave heart, darling. 501 00:31:45,080 --> 00:31:48,680 These men, they went to Eton and Harrow and Oxford. 502 00:31:48,680 --> 00:31:50,840 I went to a secondary modern in Bexleyheath. 503 00:31:50,840 --> 00:31:53,120 They're going to destroy me. 504 00:31:53,120 --> 00:31:55,200 Mr Scott. Oh. 505 00:31:59,560 --> 00:32:01,160 Follow me. 506 00:32:34,200 --> 00:32:37,480 Take the Bible in your right hand. 507 00:32:40,840 --> 00:32:42,920 So, having arrived in the bedroom, 508 00:32:42,920 --> 00:32:45,480 I would be grateful if you could take us through 509 00:32:45,480 --> 00:32:48,040 the exact order of events. What happened next? 510 00:32:50,080 --> 00:32:52,560 Mr Thorpe... 511 00:32:52,560 --> 00:32:54,520 ..got into bed with me... 512 00:32:55,600 --> 00:32:58,120 ..and he had a jar... 513 00:32:58,120 --> 00:33:01,440 ..of something. It's not nice to talk about. 514 00:33:01,440 --> 00:33:05,360 But could you identify it for the court? Vaseline. 515 00:33:05,360 --> 00:33:07,440 LAUGHTER 516 00:33:08,960 --> 00:33:11,320 What was the purpose of this Vaseline? 517 00:33:12,880 --> 00:33:15,560 It was to lubricate... 518 00:33:15,560 --> 00:33:16,880 ..him. 519 00:33:18,240 --> 00:33:20,960 So he put the... 520 00:33:20,960 --> 00:33:24,840 ..substance on his penis... 521 00:33:24,840 --> 00:33:27,320 ..turned me over and... 522 00:33:27,320 --> 00:33:29,920 ..made love to me. And what was your reaction? 523 00:33:31,800 --> 00:33:34,360 I thought I was being sawn in half. LAUGHTER 524 00:33:35,800 --> 00:33:37,800 So what did you do? 525 00:33:39,520 --> 00:33:42,080 The only thing I could do - I bit the pillow. 526 00:33:42,080 --> 00:33:44,360 LAUGHTER 527 00:33:44,360 --> 00:33:47,600 Silence in court! I must insist! 528 00:33:53,680 --> 00:33:55,440 Mr Scott, good morning. 529 00:33:55,440 --> 00:33:59,120 Good morning. Can I ask, are you taking any medication at the moment? 530 00:33:59,120 --> 00:34:03,040 Why? Just answer the question. Are you taking any medication? 531 00:34:03,040 --> 00:34:06,120 No. But you have been in the past. 532 00:34:06,120 --> 00:34:10,840 Yes. I had a number of...emotional difficulties - 533 00:34:10,840 --> 00:34:14,080 but they're all behind me now. Does this explain why you have previously 534 00:34:14,080 --> 00:34:17,680 claimed that your parents died in a plane crash in the Amazon? 535 00:34:17,680 --> 00:34:19,400 Did they? 536 00:34:19,400 --> 00:34:23,280 No. You also said that you were the son of the 4th Earl of Eldon. 537 00:34:23,280 --> 00:34:25,480 Are you? 538 00:34:25,480 --> 00:34:29,760 No, I'm not. Then why did you say it? Was it some form of delusion? 539 00:34:32,320 --> 00:34:34,440 No. Then what made you say it? 540 00:34:38,640 --> 00:34:40,000 Mr Scott. 541 00:34:43,720 --> 00:34:46,240 Well, let's be honest, 542 00:34:46,240 --> 00:34:48,480 it was just a lie, wasn't it? 543 00:34:48,480 --> 00:34:50,760 LAUGHTER 544 00:34:53,040 --> 00:34:55,680 Don't you think a lie is a very wicked thing? 545 00:34:55,680 --> 00:34:59,640 Oh, I've done lots of wicked things. Does that include today? 546 00:34:59,640 --> 00:35:02,360 No, because I've stopped doing wicked things, 547 00:35:02,360 --> 00:35:05,560 ever since that wretched man, Thorpe, tried to kill me. 548 00:35:05,560 --> 00:35:08,760 If he has done one good thing in this world, 549 00:35:08,760 --> 00:35:11,840 he has brought me to my senses. Mr Scott, 550 00:35:11,840 --> 00:35:15,440 I want to ask about what I suspect are a number of discrepancies 551 00:35:15,440 --> 00:35:19,440 in your statements concerning your night at Ursula Thorpe's house. 552 00:35:19,440 --> 00:35:22,920 To the police in December 1962, you said, 553 00:35:22,920 --> 00:35:27,320 "I am almost certain that his penis did not go into my anus," 554 00:35:27,320 --> 00:35:30,800 but now you are claiming that penetration did take place 555 00:35:30,800 --> 00:35:33,040 to the extent that you bit the pillow. 556 00:35:33,040 --> 00:35:34,720 LAUGHTER 557 00:35:34,720 --> 00:35:36,160 Well, that's easy. 558 00:35:36,160 --> 00:35:39,240 I didn't mention it in 1962 because buggery was illegal then. 559 00:35:40,760 --> 00:35:43,680 I would have been arrested - and so would he! 560 00:35:43,680 --> 00:35:48,120 Jeremy Thorpe lives on a knife-edge of danger. 561 00:35:48,120 --> 00:35:52,160 Isn't this more a case of, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned"? 562 00:35:52,160 --> 00:35:56,040 Well, it would be, yes, except for one vital fact - I am not a woman. 563 00:35:56,040 --> 00:35:58,160 LAUGHTER 564 00:36:01,600 --> 00:36:04,480 He is good, Jez. Watch out. 565 00:36:17,760 --> 00:36:21,480 You could have warned me that Norman Scott is so fucking clever! 566 00:36:25,560 --> 00:36:28,600 Moving on. I'd like to ask you about the time 567 00:36:28,600 --> 00:36:30,800 you went to the House of Commons 568 00:36:30,800 --> 00:36:33,760 with your then partner, Mrs Parry-Jones. 569 00:36:33,760 --> 00:36:37,680 A relationship which sadly ended in the poor lady's suicide. 570 00:36:37,680 --> 00:36:40,880 Did you not go there hellbent on destroying Mr Thorpe? 571 00:36:40,880 --> 00:36:46,040 Absolutely not. All I wanted was my National Insurance card. 572 00:36:46,040 --> 00:36:49,360 You went all the way to David Steel for a National Insurance card? 573 00:36:49,360 --> 00:36:53,720 National Insurance is my lifeblood! LAUGHTER 574 00:36:53,720 --> 00:36:56,720 Then, tell me, if you're so cruelly deprived 575 00:36:56,720 --> 00:37:01,080 of your National Insurance card, what's your source of income? 576 00:37:01,080 --> 00:37:03,360 Well, at the moment, it's this. 577 00:37:03,360 --> 00:37:06,640 I'm getting money off TV stations for interviews. 578 00:37:06,640 --> 00:37:08,920 Then that makes you yet another profiteer 579 00:37:08,920 --> 00:37:11,040 with a vested interest in making money 580 00:37:11,040 --> 00:37:13,960 from savaging my client's reputation, does it not? 581 00:37:13,960 --> 00:37:15,720 If they want to pay me, that's fine. 582 00:37:15,720 --> 00:37:19,080 That's not the point. Thank you, Mr Scott, we've proved your motives. 583 00:37:19,080 --> 00:37:20,600 No, but you have to know why. 584 00:37:20,600 --> 00:37:25,280 M'lud, I think the witness might be permitted to explain? 585 00:37:27,400 --> 00:37:28,920 If we must. 586 00:37:33,360 --> 00:37:37,040 If they are paying me, it's because I can say the truth. 587 00:37:38,280 --> 00:37:42,200 I don't care about the money, but I do care how men like me 588 00:37:42,200 --> 00:37:45,320 are shoved into corners and masturbated in the dark 589 00:37:45,320 --> 00:37:48,000 and then thrown out the door like we're dirt, 590 00:37:48,000 --> 00:37:50,000 like we're nothing, like we don't exist! 591 00:37:50,000 --> 00:37:53,480 And all the history books get written with men like me missing. 592 00:37:53,480 --> 00:37:55,440 So, yes, I will talk, I will be heard 593 00:37:55,440 --> 00:37:57,240 and I will be seen, Your Honour. 594 00:37:58,400 --> 00:38:00,880 You can pay me or not pay me, I don't care, 595 00:38:00,880 --> 00:38:03,720 but the one thing you will not do is shut me up! 596 00:38:09,360 --> 00:38:11,120 Thank you. You may continue. 597 00:38:12,720 --> 00:38:15,320 HE WEEPS 598 00:38:25,320 --> 00:38:27,600 Yeah, that's it. 599 00:38:27,600 --> 00:38:29,040 Norman! 600 00:38:32,560 --> 00:38:35,480 Oh, you little swine! 601 00:38:35,480 --> 00:38:38,800 Come on. Norman, you were amazing! 602 00:38:38,800 --> 00:38:43,560 I was rude, I was vile, I was queer, I was myself. 603 00:38:43,560 --> 00:38:47,520 MUSIC: Knock On Wood by Amii Stewart 604 00:38:47,520 --> 00:38:50,440 REPORTERS CLAMOUR 605 00:38:51,600 --> 00:38:54,440 How did it go, Norman? It went very, very well indeed. 606 00:38:54,440 --> 00:38:57,920 We can only hope justice will be done. Thank you. 607 00:39:09,040 --> 00:39:11,400 Thank you. Thank you so much. 608 00:39:11,400 --> 00:39:15,080 You're very kind. Thank you, Mr McCracken. 609 00:39:15,080 --> 00:39:17,720 Do you want some? 610 00:39:17,720 --> 00:39:20,320 No, thanks. It's from Clement Freud. 611 00:39:20,320 --> 00:39:22,840 I might get a sandwich later, 612 00:39:22,840 --> 00:39:24,880 once I've finished my deliberations. 613 00:39:26,280 --> 00:39:28,800 Concerning...what? 614 00:39:28,800 --> 00:39:32,360 This is the story of a liar meeting a fantasist... 615 00:39:32,360 --> 00:39:35,960 ..but I'm not sure which one's which. 616 00:39:42,280 --> 00:39:45,840 Galloway beef, from the uplands of Dumfries. 617 00:39:47,200 --> 00:39:51,160 My problem is this - it's your turn to take the stand. 618 00:39:51,160 --> 00:39:55,120 I have to conduct your defence, and yet I can't help wondering, 619 00:39:55,120 --> 00:39:57,560 will you be as convincing as Norman Scott? 620 00:39:59,120 --> 00:40:01,000 Good God. 621 00:40:01,000 --> 00:40:05,280 Yes, I think that people will take my word rather than his, yes. 622 00:40:05,280 --> 00:40:08,520 But the jury have just seen him in all his glory - 623 00:40:08,520 --> 00:40:11,520 an open homosexual, the new world blazing. 624 00:40:12,680 --> 00:40:15,560 In contrast, you might seem a little...old... 625 00:40:16,800 --> 00:40:19,040 ..and if they prefer him, 626 00:40:19,040 --> 00:40:20,800 you could go to jail. 627 00:40:23,160 --> 00:40:25,200 So, what do you suggest? 628 00:40:25,200 --> 00:40:26,960 That you don't take the stand. 629 00:40:29,920 --> 00:40:31,560 That would be worse. 630 00:40:31,560 --> 00:40:35,040 I wonder. I'd look guilty... 631 00:40:35,040 --> 00:40:38,680 ..and I'd look like a coward. That might be a risk worth taking. 632 00:40:38,680 --> 00:40:43,560 Are we running in fear from Norman Scott? Are we? 633 00:40:43,560 --> 00:40:46,120 Well, thank God it's not your decision, it's mine. 634 00:40:46,120 --> 00:40:48,160 My case, my courtroom - I decide. 635 00:40:48,160 --> 00:40:50,080 I could have you sacked, George. 636 00:40:52,080 --> 00:40:55,800 Consider the balance of the scales of justice above us. 637 00:40:55,800 --> 00:40:59,040 If you don't take the stand, you could look like a liar. 638 00:40:59,040 --> 00:41:00,400 If you do take the stand... 639 00:41:01,960 --> 00:41:03,680 ..you could look like a liar. 640 00:41:12,600 --> 00:41:14,160 So, which is it to be? 641 00:41:19,360 --> 00:41:23,560 Mr Taylor. Thank you, M'lud. No further witnesses. 642 00:41:23,560 --> 00:41:27,280 That rests the case for the prosecution. Thank you. 643 00:41:27,280 --> 00:41:28,720 Mr Carman. 644 00:41:42,840 --> 00:41:46,400 M'lud, on behalf of Jeremy Thorpe, I call no witnesses. 645 00:41:46,400 --> 00:41:49,240 GASPS AND MUTTERING 646 00:41:49,240 --> 00:41:52,920 Silence. Silence! 647 00:41:52,920 --> 00:41:55,000 I must insist! 648 00:41:57,000 --> 00:41:59,760 The court will resume at ten o'clock tomorrow morning 649 00:41:59,760 --> 00:42:02,480 for the closing addresses. All rise. 650 00:42:11,360 --> 00:42:15,720 The surprise announcement means that Mr Thorpe won't take the stand 651 00:42:15,720 --> 00:42:19,760 and will not be questioned on his role in this remarkable affair. 652 00:42:19,760 --> 00:42:22,000 He will remain silent. 653 00:42:22,000 --> 00:42:24,480 What a coward! Is he allowed to do that? 654 00:42:24,480 --> 00:42:26,880 Ugh, it's the establishment, same as ever. 655 00:42:26,880 --> 00:42:30,640 This whole thing has been a stitch-up, right from the start. 656 00:42:30,640 --> 00:42:37,280 This is a very serious charge and a rather bizarre and surprising case. 657 00:42:37,280 --> 00:42:41,760 The accused, a man of hitherto unblemished reputation, 658 00:42:41,760 --> 00:42:46,560 Mr Thorpe, is a Privy Councillor, a former leader of the Liberal Party, 659 00:42:46,560 --> 00:42:50,000 and a national figure with a very distinguished public record. 660 00:42:51,000 --> 00:42:54,880 As we consider Mr Bessell's evidence, 661 00:42:54,880 --> 00:42:57,240 he's plainly a very intelligent man, 662 00:42:57,240 --> 00:43:00,440 but having sold his story in a deplorable contract 663 00:43:00,440 --> 00:43:02,200 with the Sunday Telegraph, 664 00:43:02,200 --> 00:43:04,320 he told us that he was a Christian, 665 00:43:04,320 --> 00:43:07,200 at the same time being sexually promiscuous, 666 00:43:07,200 --> 00:43:10,280 therefore he is a humbug. 667 00:43:10,280 --> 00:43:13,320 I now turn to the evidence of Mr Scott. 668 00:43:13,320 --> 00:43:15,240 You will remember him well - 669 00:43:15,240 --> 00:43:20,680 an hysterical, warped personality, and an accomplished sponger. 670 00:43:20,680 --> 00:43:24,640 Very skilful at exciting and exploiting sympathy. 671 00:43:24,640 --> 00:43:29,480 Spineless, neurotic character, addicted to self-advertisement. 672 00:43:29,480 --> 00:43:33,480 He is a crook, he is a fraud, he is sponger, he is a whiner, 673 00:43:33,480 --> 00:43:35,360 he is a parasite. 674 00:43:35,360 --> 00:43:38,440 Of course, I'm not suggesting that you should not believe him. 675 00:43:38,440 --> 00:43:41,400 That is not for me, I'm not expressing any opinion. 676 00:43:41,400 --> 00:43:45,360 You have seen this wretched Scott in the witness box. 677 00:43:45,360 --> 00:43:47,840 You have seen his vindictive attitude. 678 00:43:47,840 --> 00:43:50,760 I leave it for you to decide. 679 00:43:50,760 --> 00:43:56,760 As for Mr Thorpe, we may not assume that affection means buggery. 680 00:43:58,360 --> 00:44:02,520 And you must ask yourself if you are sure that Mr Thorpe 681 00:44:02,520 --> 00:44:06,800 genuinely tried to persuade others to murder Mr Scott, 682 00:44:06,800 --> 00:44:10,600 and if there is any reasonable doubt, you will acquit. 683 00:44:11,720 --> 00:44:15,080 You may go now. Take your time. We shall wait for you. 684 00:44:20,240 --> 00:44:21,920 That was good. 685 00:44:21,920 --> 00:44:25,200 Old fool. He's on our side. 686 00:44:25,200 --> 00:44:28,000 This thing should be won by me, not the judge. 687 00:44:30,560 --> 00:44:33,200 We'll see you tomorrow. I'll be fine. 688 00:44:33,200 --> 00:44:35,600 I've sent word ahead that you have a stomach upset. 689 00:44:35,600 --> 00:44:38,600 They'll put you in the hospital wing. This way. 690 00:44:41,880 --> 00:44:45,480 That's the law, I'm afraid. The jury retires and bail is withdrawn 691 00:44:45,480 --> 00:44:47,160 until the verdict is reached. 692 00:45:08,880 --> 00:45:12,840 Now, lie on the floor, all of you. What for? So they can't take photos. 693 00:45:12,840 --> 00:45:14,800 Don't argue, get down, quick as you can! 694 00:45:14,800 --> 00:45:17,000 Come on, down on the floor! 695 00:45:21,680 --> 00:45:23,200 I never gave them your name. 696 00:45:23,200 --> 00:45:25,120 All this time, I've said nothing. 697 00:45:27,920 --> 00:45:31,040 REPORTERS CLAMOUR 698 00:46:10,840 --> 00:46:13,880 ALARM BLARES 699 00:46:45,080 --> 00:46:48,160 REPORTER: 'A second day has gone by since the jury retired, 700 00:46:48,160 --> 00:46:50,480 'and they still haven't come to a decision. 701 00:46:50,480 --> 00:46:52,040 'The judge, in his summing up, 702 00:46:52,040 --> 00:46:55,280 'told them that he expected them to reach a unanimous verdict. 703 00:46:55,280 --> 00:46:58,720 'Earlier, because of the intense interest in the case, police...' 704 00:47:06,760 --> 00:47:08,240 Nothing yet. 705 00:47:11,720 --> 00:47:15,320 They will be wondering why this man wanted that man dead... 706 00:47:16,920 --> 00:47:19,800 ..or whether he just said he wanted him dead so often, 707 00:47:19,800 --> 00:47:21,800 one day someone listened... 708 00:47:23,960 --> 00:47:26,400 ..but I still keep wondering something else. 709 00:47:28,320 --> 00:47:30,360 Why Norman? 710 00:47:32,720 --> 00:47:34,720 I have a particular interest. 711 00:47:38,360 --> 00:47:40,840 Between you and me, 712 00:47:40,840 --> 00:47:42,040 I've been there. 713 00:47:43,280 --> 00:47:44,920 With men. 714 00:47:47,320 --> 00:47:52,080 Before I was married, while I was married, next week - 715 00:47:52,080 --> 00:47:55,320 so I know what it's like. 716 00:47:55,320 --> 00:47:58,560 The stink of them, the sweat... 717 00:47:58,560 --> 00:48:00,040 ..and the joy. 718 00:48:01,560 --> 00:48:03,920 So I wonder... 719 00:48:03,920 --> 00:48:07,040 ..why a man with your power and privilege 720 00:48:07,040 --> 00:48:09,000 should choose him? 721 00:48:09,000 --> 00:48:11,880 Except I did not have a relationship 722 00:48:11,880 --> 00:48:13,520 with Norman Scott. 723 00:48:14,800 --> 00:48:19,160 Jeremy, I kept you off the witness stand to save your life. 724 00:48:20,200 --> 00:48:21,840 The prosecution had evidence. 725 00:48:23,040 --> 00:48:24,680 They had men from the pubs, 726 00:48:24,680 --> 00:48:27,280 men from the streets, men who know you... 727 00:48:27,280 --> 00:48:30,280 All of them liars. ..and I know those men. 728 00:48:30,280 --> 00:48:32,800 I know they last for one night - 729 00:48:32,800 --> 00:48:36,040 but with Norman Scott, it went on for years. 730 00:48:36,040 --> 00:48:37,400 It was different. 731 00:48:37,400 --> 00:48:39,600 You wrote to him, you helped him. 732 00:48:41,480 --> 00:48:43,280 You loved him. 733 00:48:47,880 --> 00:48:49,560 Why that man? 734 00:48:55,240 --> 00:48:57,080 Well, I would imagine... 735 00:48:59,800 --> 00:49:02,320 I can only speculate, but... 736 00:49:05,240 --> 00:49:07,600 ..if you do know those men, George... 737 00:49:10,280 --> 00:49:11,920 ..then you know those nights... 738 00:49:14,080 --> 00:49:16,600 BIG BEN CHIMES 739 00:49:24,600 --> 00:49:26,920 ..and you know how those nights can end. 740 00:49:26,920 --> 00:49:29,520 Don't you touch me, you dirty queer! 741 00:49:29,520 --> 00:49:31,320 Fuck, don't touch me! 742 00:49:31,320 --> 00:49:32,600 Agh, no! 743 00:49:32,600 --> 00:49:34,840 Take it, take it. Take it! Just take it! 744 00:49:36,520 --> 00:49:37,920 Do you like that? 745 00:49:39,320 --> 00:49:41,400 HE CRIES OUT IN PAIN 746 00:49:43,480 --> 00:49:45,360 Given those men... 747 00:49:46,920 --> 00:49:51,520 ..maybe, I suppose, one could imagine... 748 00:49:55,280 --> 00:49:57,320 ..that Norman Scott was the best. 749 00:50:04,960 --> 00:50:07,880 DOOR OPENS They're coming back. 750 00:50:09,920 --> 00:50:12,120 'And, finally, Mr Thorpe himself, 751 00:50:12,120 --> 00:50:14,880 with his face set in the mask of inexpression 752 00:50:14,880 --> 00:50:17,560 'he has maintained throughout the trial.' 753 00:50:17,560 --> 00:50:19,320 Will the defendants rise? 754 00:50:26,280 --> 00:50:28,720 On the charge of conspiracy to murder, 755 00:50:28,720 --> 00:50:34,440 do you find the defendant, David Holmes, guilty or not guilty? 756 00:50:34,440 --> 00:50:36,840 Not guilty. 757 00:50:36,840 --> 00:50:40,720 On the charge of conspiracy to murder, do you find the defendant, 758 00:50:40,720 --> 00:50:44,240 George Deakin, guilty or not guilty? 759 00:50:44,240 --> 00:50:45,680 Not guilty. 760 00:50:46,680 --> 00:50:50,680 On the charge of conspiracy to murder, do you find the defendant, 761 00:50:50,680 --> 00:50:55,840 John Le Mesurier, guilty or not guilty? 762 00:50:55,840 --> 00:50:59,720 Not guilty. On the charge of conspiracy to murder, 763 00:50:59,720 --> 00:51:04,840 do you find the defendant, Jeremy Thorpe, guilty or not guilty? 764 00:51:09,840 --> 00:51:13,240 Not guilty. GASPS AND MUTTERING 765 00:51:13,240 --> 00:51:14,960 No. 766 00:51:14,960 --> 00:51:16,640 No! 767 00:51:20,840 --> 00:51:24,200 And on the second charge of incitement to murder, 768 00:51:24,200 --> 00:51:29,680 do you find the defendant, Jeremy Thorpe, guilty or not guilty? 769 00:51:29,680 --> 00:51:32,880 Not guilty. CLAMOUR THROUGHOUT COURT 770 00:51:37,640 --> 00:51:40,760 This is not justice! 771 00:51:42,320 --> 00:51:44,680 Darling, we did it! Bravo! 772 00:51:44,680 --> 00:51:48,240 We did it! Bravo! We did it! Bravo! 773 00:51:48,240 --> 00:51:52,200 Outrageous! It's outrageous! 774 00:51:53,920 --> 00:51:57,560 This is not justice! Stand still! 775 00:51:57,560 --> 00:52:00,160 CHEERING AND APPLAUSE 776 00:52:03,000 --> 00:52:06,480 Bravo! Guilty as charged! 777 00:52:07,680 --> 00:52:10,160 'News just in from the Old Bailey - Jeremy Thorpe, 778 00:52:10,160 --> 00:52:12,200 'the former leader of the Liberal Party 779 00:52:12,200 --> 00:52:14,760 'has been found not guilty of conspiracy to murder 780 00:52:14,760 --> 00:52:17,320 'and not guilty of incitement to murder. 781 00:52:17,320 --> 00:52:19,440 'Mr Thorpe's three co-defendants 782 00:52:19,440 --> 00:52:22,720 'were also found not guilty of conspiracy to murder. 783 00:52:22,720 --> 00:52:25,600 'We have a full report to follow on the hour, 784 00:52:25,600 --> 00:52:27,520 'with the traffic and weather.' 785 00:52:29,160 --> 00:52:32,480 BBC RADIO NEWS JINGLE 786 00:52:38,760 --> 00:52:41,760 ROCK MUSIC PLAYS 787 00:52:50,960 --> 00:52:53,800 HE CHUCKLES 788 00:52:55,080 --> 00:52:57,880 Congratulations, Mr Thorpe. Thank you. Thank you very much. 789 00:52:57,880 --> 00:53:00,640 Thank you. We did it, then. 790 00:53:00,640 --> 00:53:03,400 We did it. Well done. 791 00:53:03,400 --> 00:53:05,480 Aha! 792 00:53:05,480 --> 00:53:08,440 UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYS 793 00:53:08,440 --> 00:53:11,880 CHEERING AND APPLAUSE 794 00:53:13,360 --> 00:53:18,720 Hello! Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you. 795 00:53:18,720 --> 00:53:20,880 Thank you, gentlemen, very much. 796 00:53:20,880 --> 00:53:23,160 Thank you! 797 00:53:27,360 --> 00:53:31,280 One and all, thank you! Thank you! 798 00:53:31,280 --> 00:53:33,360 Taxi. 799 00:53:35,320 --> 00:53:37,640 Thank you very much. Thank you. 800 00:53:40,400 --> 00:53:43,200 Thank you very much. 801 00:53:48,200 --> 00:53:50,680 Can I have some more baklava, please? Yes, sure. 802 00:53:50,680 --> 00:53:53,320 UPBEAT POP MUSIC ON RADIO 803 00:53:57,000 --> 00:53:59,960 All finished for the day? I think so, yeah. 804 00:54:02,160 --> 00:54:05,040 Thank you. Thank you. 805 00:54:13,200 --> 00:54:15,120 BELL RINGS 806 00:54:22,120 --> 00:54:24,720 CHEERING AND APPLAUSE Thank you! 807 00:54:24,720 --> 00:54:28,920 Thank you! Give her a kiss! Kiss! Give her a kiss! 808 00:54:28,920 --> 00:54:30,840 All right. 809 00:54:30,840 --> 00:54:33,640 CHEERING INTENSIFIES 810 00:54:37,320 --> 00:54:40,160 Yes? Here, boy, Gordon. 811 00:54:53,080 --> 00:54:55,240 Thank you very, very much. 812 00:54:55,240 --> 00:54:57,480 How are you? 813 00:54:57,480 --> 00:55:00,280 Any further comments, Mr Thorpe? I know you. 814 00:55:00,280 --> 00:55:02,680 I know you. Of course, you're ruined. 815 00:55:02,680 --> 00:55:05,400 You know that, don't you? 816 00:55:05,400 --> 00:55:08,440 Huh. Very kind. 817 00:55:21,120 --> 00:55:22,960 BELL RINGS 818 00:55:49,000 --> 00:55:51,800 Thank you. I must go in. 819 00:55:53,520 --> 00:55:56,840 Who-o-oa! CHEERING AND APPLAUSE 820 00:56:30,320 --> 00:56:33,960 Mr Norma St John Scott, 821 00:56:33,960 --> 00:56:37,720 a self-confessed player of the pink oboe... 822 00:56:37,720 --> 00:56:40,240 LAUGHTER 823 00:56:40,240 --> 00:56:44,840 ..you are now to retire carefully to consider 824 00:56:44,840 --> 00:56:47,640 your verdict of not guilty. 825 00:56:47,640 --> 00:56:50,000 LAUGHTER