Sunday, March 1, 2015

What prevented me exposing Jimmy Savile's crimes to the world - former Sunday Mirror editor

An under-reported moment at the press conference into Jimmy Savile’s sickening reign of abuse within the NHS came when report author Kate Lampard suggested a ‘less intrusive press’ (her words) might have been one reason why he managed to get away with it. An interesting point that, perhaps, devotees of ‘Hacked Off’ and politicians championing a Royal Charter to regulate the press ought to ponder.

The truth, however, is more complex.

As the editor who was legally thwarted from exposing Savile back in 1994, the reality is that it was a disastrous combination of Britain’s draconian libel laws (generally so beloved of celebrities with unsavoury secrets and lawyers well aware of ‘star-struck’ juries), victims intimidated by Savile’s celebrity status and powerful connections plus police indifferent to (or themselves intimidated by) allegations against the rich and powerful to investigate properly that conspired to protect Savile and other VIP abusers.  (more...)


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