Glyn Scott’s history making legal challenge against marital rape pitched for the small screen

The legal significance of the Glyn Scott marital rape case is being spotlighted in a four-part TV miniseries hoping to be filmed across SA.

She is the Adelaide Hills mother of five who made international legal history in a decades-old marital rape case considered impossible to prosecute.

Her unprecedented High Court win has since paved the way for hundreds, if not thousands, of wives worldwide to seek justice for rape in marriage.

Now aged 76, Glyn Scott says: “I didn’t hate him but I wanted justice – I wanted him to be held accountable.”

Now, for the first time, the legal significance of the Glyn Scott case will be spotlighted in a four-part TV miniseries hoping to be filmed across South Australia once much-needed funding is secured.

Glyn Scott made international legal history with her case seeking justice for rape in marriage. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Ms Scott, a child abuse victim, became a teenage bride to sexual predator George Pycroft in 1962. Over her seven-year marriage to Pycroft, she endured repeated, brutal sexual and physical assault. One such assault resulted in the death of her second child – a son – fatally kicked in utero by Pycroft while she was in labour.

“I won’t lie – I was a little apprehensive,” says Ms Scott, of the initial approach for a TV series based on her autobiography.

“It’s one thing to write a book but completely another to be the centre of a national miniseries.”

But, her initial anxiety, she says, was quickly overtaken by a stoic resolve to keep domestic violence in the spotlight, particularly during Covid, and to give victims courage through hope.

“I think it’s very important people hear the real story because most don’t understand what really happens to victims in this situation,” she says.

Glyn Scott aged around 12 playing the piano at her adoptive parents Jeannie and Charles Harden's Alberton home. Picture: Supplied

Glyn Scott aged about 4 at her grandmother's home in Parkside. Picture: Supplied

Many stories do not get told because victims are too scared to speak out, and when they do they are either ignored, told to be quiet, shamed into silence or called a liar, she adds.

“All of these things happened to me.”

Anna Fawcett, executive producer at Filmgraphics Entertainment in Sydney, says: “It’s a big story to tell.”

Her company is spearheading the miniseries proposal, which she says will follow the courtroom drama of Ms Scott’s legal challenge in four parts through the eyes of prosecuting QC Kos Lesses and SA Police Detective Scott Simpson.

Glyn Scott in 1966 with baby daughter Christine and son Stephen. She was still married at the time to abusive husband George Pycroft. Picture: Supplied

Ms Fawcett bought the rights to Ms Scott’s book Hope Was All I Had after being contacted by a mystery Adelaide woman urging her to read the autobiography about four years ago.

“After reading the book I actually couldn’t believe that anyone could survive what she had been through,” says Ms Fawcett.

“It was a story of survival and hope, and that is what inspired us. Such an important message to put into the universe when so many people still suffer from abuse.”

Ms Scott has established a foundation for victims of domestic, family and child abuse. For more information visit www.lovehopeandgratitude.org.au

Anna Fawcett’s company is spearheading the miniseries proposal. Picture: Supplied