In 1953, following the issue of a search warrant under the Obscene Publications Act of 1857, Wildman’s premises were subject to a 4 hour raid by police who seized thousands of canes, tawses and birches along with hundreds of pamphlets. Despite this, Wildman continued to sell his pamphlets and a second raid was carried out a couple of months later when yet more literature, ‘obscene’ photographs and canes were seized.
He was subsequently issued with a summons and at court Wildman pleaded guilty to 17 charges of publishing obscene libels. He was fined £500, which he was allowed six months to pay, the alternative being a year in jail.
