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.
Read more about this topic: Harvey Proctor
Famous quotes containing the word scandal:
“We must cultivate our garden.
Furia to God one day in seven allots;
The other six to scandal she devotes.
Satan, by false devotion never flammed,
Bets six to one, that Furia will be damned.”
—Horace Walpole (1717–1797)
“There’s no scandal like rags, nor any crime so shameful as poverty.”
—George Farquhar (1678–1707)
“A famous theatrical actress
Played best in the role of malefactress.
Yet her home-life was pure
Except, to be sure,
A scandal or two just for practice.”
—Anonymous.