Norman Scott says he may complain to police watchdog over bungled Jeremy Thorpe investigation

Norman Scott arrives at the Old Bailey in 1979 for the trial of the century
Norman Scott arrives at the Old Bailey in 1979 for the trial of the century Credit: Alpha

Jeremy Thorpe's former gay lover, Norman Scott, has said he will complain to the police watchdog after it emerged that detectives had bungled the most recent investigation into the notorious political scandal.

Two years ago Gwent Police shelved a review into the 1979 alleged murder plot, after wrongly declaring that, Andrew Newton, one of the key conspirators, had died.

It can now also be revealed that despite carrying out a two-year probe into the scandal, which rocked the political establishment, Gwent police only interviewed eight people in total.

Former Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe was cleared of conspiring to murder Norman Scott Credit: Central Press

Mr Scott, 78, speaking from his home on the edge of Dartmoor, said he was considering lodging a formal complaint with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over the way the matter had been handled.

When asked if he would be taking the thing further and complaining to the IOPC, he confirmed: "I am well aware of what I need to do."

Hugh Grant starred as Jeremy Thorpe in the BBC drama, A Very English Scandal

Interest in the Thorpe saga, has been reignited by the BBC’s drama, A Very English Scandal, starring Hugh Grant as the Liberal leader, who was forced to resign in 1976 over the revelations about his homosexual affair with Scott.

Thorpe was accused of hiring a hitman to kill Scott on Exmoor, but was acquitted in 1979 following the so-called trial of the century.

But allegations of police corruption and an establishment cover up persisted, and in 2014 - after Thorpe's death - Gwent Police were asked to carry out a thorough review of the original investigation.

Andrew Newton shot Norman Scott's dog on Exmoor in 1975 and was later jailed for firearms offences Credit: PA

The review, codenamed Operation Vellum, was ordered after petty criminal, Dennis Meighan, 71, came forward, claiming to have been the original hitman hired to kill Scott.

Among his claims were allegations that the police had altered his statements to remove mention of Thorpe.

Meighan, who had access to guns through his antique weapon business, claimed he had been approached by his former school friend, Newton to carry out the murder and was offered £13,500.

Police who originally claimed Newton was dead turned up at his girlfriend's house in Surrey at the weekend Credit: Paul Grover

But he said he got cold feet about the plot and went to the police to confess his part in the conspiracy.

Operation Vellum was intended to explore the allegations of police corruption but was shelved i 2016 after it was concluded Mr Newton was dead.

Defending the blunder, a spokesman for Gwent Police said detectives had “reasonable grounds” to believe that Mr Newton - who is now known as Hann Redwin - was dead at the time.

Police have spoken to Andrew Newton, who is now known as Hann Redwin, but are not reopening the investigation Credit: Getty /Dave Hogan

The spokesman went on: “Recent information obtained by the Force indicated that this may not be correct.

“Having confirmed his status and whereabouts, officers from Gwent Police spoke to Mr Redwin who is unable to provide any additional evidence to that which has already been obtained in the original enquiry.

“As Mr Redwin’s evidence has already been considered by the CPS prior to this matter being closed, Gwent Police is satisfied that there is no basis to re-refer the matter to the CPS and the investigation remains closed.”