Main content
This programme is not currently available on BBC iPlayer

The Jeremy Thorpe Scandal

An edited and updated version of Panorama reporter Tom Mangold's investigation into the trial of Jeremy Thorpe, which has remained unseen for almost 40 years.

In 1979, Panorama reporter Tom Mangold led an investigation into the trial of Jeremy Thorpe and others for the alleged conspiracy to kill Thorpe's former lover Norman Scott. Convinced that the former Liberal Party leader would be found guilty, a special post-trial programme was prepared. This was scrapped, however, when the jury returned its verdicts of not guilty for all defendants, and the programme has remained unseen for almost 40 years.

Edited and updated with new information about a fresh 2017 police inquiry into the case, Tom Mangold's story shows how powerful political forces tried to protect Thorpe. The programme features revealing interviews from 1979 with Norman Scott, chief prosecution witness Peter Bessell and the alleged hitman Andrew 'Gino' Newton.

1 hour

Last on

Tue 11 Dec 2018 23:00

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:51

    Oliver Nelson

    The Stolen Moment

  • 00:51

    Oliver Nelson

    Stolen Moment (Remastered)

  • 00:59

    Herbie Hancock

    Cantaloupe Island

Credits

Role Contributor
Reporter Tom Mangold
Executive Producer Steve Anderson
Editor Rachel Jupp

Broadcasts