08/10/2012

Broadcaster Pledges Jimmy Savile Abuse Claims Examination

The BBC has promised a "comprehensive examination" into allegations that the late Sir Jimmy Savile sexually abused girls while working for the corporation.

Director General George Entwistle said allegations will be investigated but not before a full police probe.

On BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Entwistle commented: "The women involved here have gone through something awful, and something I deeply regret they should have had to go through, and I would like to apologise on behalf of the organisation to each and every one of them for what they've had to endure here.

"We need a comprehensive examination of what went on. When the police have finished everything they have to do, and when they give me the assurance there is no danger of us in any way compromising or contaminating an investigation, I will take it further and ensure that any outstanding questions are answered properly."

Particularly, the organisation would look at "the broad question of what was going on and whether anybody around Jimmy Savile knew what was going on".

The Metropolitan Police announced last week it would be assessing allegations against Sir Jimmy.

(GK)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

09 October 2012
BBC Must 'Command Credibilty' In Savile Abuse Investigation
The BBC must “command credibility” in how it deals with allegations the late Sir Jimmy Savile sexually abused girls, the BBC trust chairman has said. Lord Patten told Cardiff Business Club that any BBC inquiry would take place after a police investigation.
27 March 2014
Schools And Children's Homes Face Investigation Over Jimmy Savile Abuse Claims
Twenty one children's homes and schools in England are to be investigated by local authorities in connection with Jimmy Savile abuse claims, the government has said.
05 October 2012
Met Police To Assess Jimmy Savile Allegations
The Metropolitan Police Service has agreed to take the national lead in assessing the recent information regarding allegations made against the late Jimmy Savile. The assessment will be undertaken by the Serious Case Team of the Met's Child Abuse Investigation Command under the leadership of Detective Superintendent David Gray.
25 October 2012
Jimmy Savile Investigation Looking At Three Doctors In New Allegations
Detectives investigating the Jimmy Savile scandal have been passed details of three doctors who are alleged to have abused young people in their care, the Guardian has reported.
20 February 2015
Music Teacher Jailed For Rape Of Pupils
A 64-year-old music teacher has been sentenced to 11 years in jail for the rape and indecent assault of two schoolgirls and a young woman in the 1970s and 1980s. Philip Pickett, an internationally renowned music teacher from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, pleaded guilty on 10 February to two counts of rape and two of indecent assault.