Cyril Smith: Getting Away With It

Cyril Smith, the former Liberal MP for Rochdale, was one of the best-known and best-loved politicians of the 70s.
Far better known for his numerous TV appearances than for any cause he may have championed.
Colourful, larger-than-life, a real character, professional northerner and jolly fat man etc.
The police had a two-inch thick file on him of allegations of serial sexual abuse of boys at two care homes in Rochdale dating back to the early 60s.
Local councillors and police, the Liberal party leadership, then Special Branch and MI5 all chose not to seriously investigate, and colluded in a massive cover-up.
Only two publications - Rochdale Alternative Paper and Private Eye - covered the story during his lifetime.
He was never charged.

Watch The Paedophile MP: How Cyril Smith Got Away With It on 4OD.