Theos-Talk Archives (January 2005 Message tt00505)

Pedro commented:
"A weird and laughable bunch of people (in the view of many, 
including journalists), lead by a perceived suspicious man, causing 
judicial authorities to be fainthearted and fearful? It looks like 
an incredible story."

While some Theosophists might like to believe that the authorities in 
Australia viewed the members of the TS as somehow influential, or even 
dangerous, and therefore were "fainthearted and fearful" of taking action 
against them, this would indeed be the basis only of an incredible story.

The Police files suggest nothing of the sort, nor does other material 
revealing official responses to Theosophy and Theosophists.

The reasons for not proceeding with a prosecution against Leadbeater were 
clearly stated and (in terms of the legal system) are not uncommon and 
are quite straightforward: the only witnesses who could have given direct 
evidence of sexual offences were considered to be so dominated 
psychologically by Leadbeater (as were, in the case of the boys, their 
parents) that they would have had no value as prosecution witnesses (even 
if compelled to give evidence). Probably every police offer and criminal 
lawyer can describe cases in which the guilt of the accused was clear, 
but in which no prosecution could be launched because of frightened or 
diminated witnesses. Sexaul abuse (and rape) cases are commonly within 
this category. I have, for example, been involved in a case in which a 
teenaged boy told me of sexual abuse by an adult, but stated that, if 
compelled to give evidence, he would deny any such allegation because of 
his fear of the adult.

It should be noted that Leadbeater would not make himself available for 
interview by the Police.

The Police statements by the boys (including Krishnamurti, Nityananda and 
Jinarajadasa) have, as Pedro notes, never been published, but they are 
essentially of no particular interest.

Mrs Martyn's statement disclosed only that she saw Leadbeater getting 
into bed with a naked, teenage boy. That may have been considered odd, 
but it did not constitute evidence of a criminal offence (as, for 
example, would a statement that she had witnessed Leadbeater touching a 
boy's genitals).

Dr Gregory Tillett