Sadomasochism - Is It Assault?

Here is a tale that will have my male readers squirming and crossing their legs in fear as this story hit the headlines in 1987, and resulted in the defendants taking their case to the higher courts.  Seventeen men, including Welsh rugby referee Colin Laskey, appeared at none other than the Old Bailey, charged with numerous accounts of Grievous Bodily Harm.  The evidence was indisputable.  The Police had seized numerous videos showing appalling acts of violence being carried out on each other.  Reportedly, and I remember this being told on TV, that scrotums were nailed to the floor!!!!!!!  The big problem was, that no complaints were made and everybody was a willing participant.  The judge in the case, did not see it like that and gave out severe sentences.  The men took their case to the Appeal Court, the House of Lords(twice) and the European Court of Human Rights.  The biggest sentences were reduced but all had to serve time.  Their argument was that it was consensual, in private and nobody was complaining.   Personally, I see it as deviant behaviour and an aberration of sexuality, but if it makes them happy.......