Lancashire police tossed away Cyril Smith’s sex case notes

SIR Cyril Smith. Was he a paedophile? Lancashire police have made a statement on the former MP for Rochdale, now deceased:

We would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual abuse by Mr Smith, or who has any information about possible abuse committed by him, to come forward and report those concerns to Lancashire Constabulary by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and quoting log number LC-20121114-0364. We take matters such as this extremely seriously and anyone who does come forward should do so with confidence that they will be treated appropriately and with sensitivity.

While we believe there was an investigation into allegations against Mr Smith in the late 1960s, no records are now held and it cannot be ascertained whether a file was passed to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

These historic allegations date back more than 40 years and to a time when Rochdale was within the Lancashire Constabulary area. We have not received any new allegations at this stage.

When were the records no longer held? Were they destroyed? No copy made?

Such are the facts…

Lead photo:  Mr Cyril Smith, Liberal MP for Rochdale, receives a huge and heart-felt Valentine greeting card from Bernice Weston, founder and director of Weight Watchers. With the outsize politician outside the National Liberal Club in London are two ‘Penthouse Pets’. “Cupid’s Messengers,” Dawn (left) and Roma.  Date: 13/02/1975

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Alderman Cyril Smith, one of the neck-and-neck favourite's in todays by-election at Rochdale, looks at the many good-luck telegrams which he received while polling began this morning. He is the Liberal candidate.

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Posted: 14th, November 2012 | In: Politicians Comments (2) | TrackBack | Permalink