Former MP Crispin Blunt has been fined £1,200 for possessing illegal drugs after he told a court he entered the world of chemsex parties to help inform government policy.
The 65-year-old ex-Conservative representative for Reigate, who also served as justice minister, pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to four drug possession charges.
During a lengthy courtroom statement, Mr Blunt said he entered the world of chemsex parties to help inform government policy.
Deputy chief magistrate Tan Ikram fined him £1,200, telling Mr Blunt that his actions had “risked undermining confidence in all Parliamentarians by breaking the very laws you enacted.”
Mr Blunt was found in possession of class A and B drugs at his Horley home on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
He told the court that he had been the target of a blackmail attempt by a drug dealer who accused him of rape.
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Mr Blunt said he began exploring drug policy during his time as a justice minister in David Cameron’s government and argued that his “first-hand experience” through hosting drug-fuelled chemsex parties at his home shaped his views on reform.
He criticised the charges brought against him, suggesting that all drugs should be legal.
Zarah Dickinson, prosecuting, said Mr Blunt was “polite” and “calm” when police searched his home during the investigation, which began after a complaint related to a chemsex party in September 2023.
She said: “No charges were brought on those alleged offences.”
Mr Blunt identified the drugs he possessed, including crystal meth and GBL and admitted to hosting gatherings where drugs were used.
In his police interview, he described his transition into the chemsex scene as partly motivated by his role as a justice minister and his professional interest in drug policy.
Ms Dickinson said: “His knowledge of first hand use of drugs was used to inform how policies could be implemented.”
Mr Blunt represented himself in court and initially planned to plead not guilty, intending to argue that his actions should not be criminal offences.
He ultimately changed his plea after seeing the impact of publicity of the charges on his family.
In addition to the fine, Mr Blunt was ordered to pay a £480 victim surcharge and £200 in costs.
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