The professional trial of a psychotherapist who agreed to try to ‘convert’ a gay man was suspended yesterday after allegations of attempts to intimidate a key witness.
Supporters of Lesley Pilkington, the Christian therapist who faces being struck off, called in police after they said the expert witness was threatened in several ‘menacing’ phone calls.
They said the witness was warned not to appear at the hearing.
Allegations: Lesley Pilkington is facing a professional conduct hearing concerning her job as a therapist after it was claimed she tried to 'convert' a gay man
The allegation brought a new twist to the case which has generated fresh controversy over Christian beliefs and the rights of Christians to hold to them at work.
Mrs Pilkington was targeted by a gay journalist who persuaded her to help him change his sexuality. Patrick Strudwick attended sessions with her with a tape recorder strapped to his stomach and then published a critical article about her in the Independent newspaper.
The intimidation claims are false and part of a smear campaign alleged Srudwick. So far there are no witnesses to any possible intimidation and the police are not investigating.
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