Harvey Proctor - Scandal

Scandal

In June 1986, The People newspaper published claims that Proctor had taken part in spanking and cane beating of male prostitutes, aged between 17 and 21, in his London flat. Had this occurred 20 years later, Proctor would not have broken the law, but the age of consent for homosexuals was 21 in 1986, as opposed to 16 for heterosexuals. Proctor did not sue for libel when the allegations were made. In 1987, Proctor was charged with gross indecency and resigned his candidature. He was succeeded as MP by Teresa Gorman at the General Election the following month. At his trial in May 1987, Proctor pleaded guilty and was fined a total of £1,450.

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