26 October 2012

BBC NI Investigates Savile Visits

BBC Northern Ireland is currently investigating details of visits to the province by the late TV presenter Jimmy Savile.

The news follows a discussion on Wednesday’s edition of Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme, on which BBC NI was asked if it had checked how often the presenter had visited its studios or premises during his time at the Beeb.

The question came as police in England announced the number of alleged victims of sexual abuse by Savile has reached 300.

Late on Thursday night BBC NI confirmed it was looking into the issue.

"We're seeking to establish what if any records exist of any visits by Jimmy Savile to Northern Ireland on BBC business," the corporation said in a statement.

"Any relevant information will be considered as part of the BBC's reviews."

But Good Morning Ulster was told by the Northern Irish health trusts that there are no records of visits to their hospitals by Savile.

The Department of Health has declined to say whether it is carrying out any historical checks prior to 2007, when the current trusts were formed.

BBC Trust Lord Patten has said the allegations of sex abuse by the former BBC presenter had done "terrible damage" to the corporation's reputation.

He told BBC Radio 4's World At One programme the independent inquiries currently ongoing were the best way to investigate the controversy surrounding the claims against Savile.

The news also comes as police investigating the case reveal they are preparing to make arrests.

Several high-profile names linked with the corporation could be questioned within days.

(IT)