On 12 March 1969, George Harrison and his wife Pattie had their Esher home raided by the Drugs Squad. Following an initial court appearance six days later, their trial took place on this day.
It took place at Esher and Walton Magistrates’ Court. The Harrisons pleaded guilty to possessing the cannabis, which was likely to have been planted in the house by police officers.
George wore a navy blue suit and Pattie wore a crimson velvet jacket. The couple were each fined £250 plus 10 guineas each in court costs, and were put on probation for a year.
Esher and Walton Magistrates Court closed in 1993 and is now a youth club and theatre school.
Last updated: 1 June 2020
Also on this day...
- 2015: Album release: Postcards From Paradise by Ringo Starr
- 2010: Paul McCartney live: Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles
- 1990: Paul McCartney live: California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley
- 1978: UK album release: London Town by Wings
- 1970: Paul McCartney reacts angrily to a letter from John Lennon and George Harrison, delivered by Ringo Starr
- 1970: Radio: Ringo Starr on Open House
- 1969: John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s lightning trip to Vienna
- 1967: Recording, mixing: With A Little Help From My Friends, Being For The Benefit Of Mr Kite!
- 1965: Filming: Help!
- 1964: Radio: Saturday Club
- 1964: Filming: A Hard Day’s Night
- 1963: The Beatles live: De Montfort Hall, Leicester
- 1962: The Beatles live: Subscription Rooms, Stroud
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
I understand that what annoyed George most about the planted evidence was that it made him look disorganised, as he would never have had his stash lying around in such a careless manner. He had a stash box after all.