Cyril Smith: new allegations

I don't know what other people think we could have done about what was going on at Cambridge House Hinch, those that had an inkling or had been told the various stories, when such as the 'State' and the 'Constabulary' who doubtless 'knew' held such a view and took such a 'line'. There are some things you can fight against and others you can't. This lot isn't over yet. Not by a long way.

What makes this even worse he was saying a man should have been hanged for a murder and sexual assault that a man was innocent of a few years ago.

What I found disgusting how silent the Lib Dems have become over the issue.

Would they like to acknowledge that Cyril Smith was a pervert who should have come to justice years ago. After all the reports made about him instead of staying silent or trying to deny that it happened at one stage but give a full apology to the victims.

The victims are at least owed an explanation and an apology from the Lib Dems.

Spot on MJH, absolutely, brilliant phrase too

"festering culture of shared disregard"

Sins of the fathers. Brothers keeper. You've been reading too much religious clap-trap teamplayer2.

Where did that come from Atlas?

There is no logical basis or rational in your laying the blame on a single person or a group of people for the actions of one man or inferring that someone should have done something regarding his actions without first having established he/she/they had irrefutable proof of a crime/s having been committed. Rumour and gut-feelings and unsubstantiated statements are just that -. That's where I was coming from and where I am still going.

I hear what you are saying Atlas and Hinch.

I read today that the MEN has got hold of some documents about Cyril and how he went to the Police in the 70's over allegations made against him.

There again if some people knew in the Lib Dems and the stories were coming out even then all those years ago. Why did the Lib Dems let him go on or stay as an MP. They should along with the police investigated all this. The pervert like other perverts got away with it because of who they were and to protect the name of the party and the establishment, rather than protect the victims.

Even if was alleged at the time they should not have let him stand as an MP until the sorry mess was cleared up. Instead let it simmer for years.

From today's Northern Voices:-

How Rochdale's Cyril Smith Tried To Bully Police
Posted: 16 Mar 2013 07:14 AM PDT

REPORTS today suggest that in 1970, when Cyril Smith was contemplating standing as a parliamentary candidate in the forthcoming General Election, that he tried to bully the police into handing over the names of his accusers, who had made allegations that he had beaten and abused them while they were residents in a hostel for boys in Rochdale.  Documents now released show that Smith, the late Liberal MP, went into a Rochdale police station and asked to interview officers dealing with his case.  At the time Smith was a well know and influential councillor in Rochdale.  The police were investigating claims that he had interfered with young boys while he was secretary of Cambridge House hostel which had closed in 1964. 

The police transcript of the meeting with Cyril Smith in which he asked about the case against him runs as follows:

Police Officer:  'Well, very briefly the allegations concerning that, are that you went along there and examined these boys by taking their pants down.  Whether that's right or not, I don't know.'

Smith:  'I understand that that's the subject of the investigation.'

Police Officer:  'Which, pending on what explanation you put forward, would seem improper.'

Police Officer:  'If my information is right, you spoke to one of the boys, who has been interviewed.'

Smith:  'Yes.'

Police Officer:  'What was that about?'

Smith:  'He told me what you had been asking him.  He told me he had made a statement to you.  I've seen two of them and the third came to see me.  I've asked them if they have made statements.'

Police Officer:  'I must warn you about interfering with witnesses.  The only reason I'm here this morning is because you wanted to see me.  I did not want to see you.  You must have some suspicion about you and them, about what's in the statements or you would not be here, would you?'

Smith:  'Well-er-I'm hesitating, not because I'm frightened, but I've seen a solicitor obviously, and he says I must make no statement or answer no questions....'

When police finally forwarded their evidence they included a covering note in which the police wrote: 'He has used his unique position to indulge in a sordid series of indecent episodes with young boys to whom he had a special responsibility.. he appears guilty of numerous offences of indecent assault.'

The police submitted the file to prosecutors on the 11th, March 1970, but it was decided not to proceed with the case against Smith.  Smith stood for election in the General Election later that year, but lost to the sitting Labour MP for Rochdale, Jack McCann.  At the time this caused some bitterness, because Jack McCann had been friends and closely associated politically with Cyril while they were both in the Labour Party throughout most of the 1960s.  Cyril Smith, two years later, won the Rochdale seat in a by-election for the Liberal Party following the death of Jack McCann.  Smith held the seat in Rochdale until 1992.

Cyril Smith was allegedly reportedly over 30 years ago as well, at a time when Geoffrey Dickens MP submitted a dossier to and warned the Home Office of suspected VIP paedophile rings and police misconduct, involving named high-profile people with power and influence;
It seems yet more missing papers to find

It is around thirty years ago I first heard about it. Also an alleged story that he was banned from somewhere and told not to go back. I do not know if it was true or not but someone reminded me of the story a few months back. It was not a complete secret but makes me feel sick that he got away with it and some people will not admit that it did happen.