How British MP Keir Starmer Tried to Prosecute Pete Townshend of The Who Over Child Porn Case

Pete Townshend, the legendary rock star and founder of The Who, faced a legal challenge from the current Labour leader Keir Starmer over his involvement in a child pornography case in 2003. Starmer, who was then a human rights lawyer, represented a group of civil liberties campaigners who wanted Townshend to be prosecuted for accessing a child porn website. Townshend admitted that he had used his credit card to enter the site, but claimed that he was doing research for his autobiography, which dealt with his own childhood abuse. He said that he was trying to expose the evil trade of child exploitation and that he had never downloaded any images. He also said that he had contacted the police and the NSPCC to inform them of his actions.

However, Starmer and his clients argued that Townshend had committed an offence under the Protection of Children Act 1978, which makes it illegal to view or possess indecent images of children. They said that Townshend had no reasonable excuse for accessing the site and that he had contributed to the demand for child porn. They also said that Townshend’s celebrity status should not grant him immunity from the law.

The case was eventually dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service, who said that there was insufficient evidence to prove that Townshend had any criminal intent. Townshend was cleared of the charges, but had to register as a sex offender for five years and pay a £5,000 fine. He also agreed to undergo a police caution and a rehabilitation programme. He later said that he regretted his mistake and that he was deeply sorry for the hurt he had caused.

Townshend, who is now 78 years old, recently released his first solo single in nearly 30 years, called “Can’t Outrun The Truth”. The song was written and produced by his partner Rachel Fuller, who is also a musician and composer. The song is a charity single for the Teenage Cancer Trust, a UK organisation that supports young people with cancer. The song features a sleeve artwork by Damien Hirst, the famous British artist known for his controversial works involving animals and skulls. The song is available on streaming platforms and as a limited edition vinyl.

Townshend is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative musicians of all time. He is best known for his work with The Who, one of the most successful and influential rock bands in history. He is also a solo artist, author, composer, and activist. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has received several awards and honours for his contributions to music and society.