Jimmy Savile Scandal: Ex-BBC Producer Wilfred De'ath Will Face No Charges

Ex-BBC Producer To Face No Charges Over Savile Abuse

A former BBC producer will not face charges after being arrested by detectives investigating the Jimmy Savile abuse scandal.

At the time of his arrest last November, Wilfred De'ath told reporters that it was a case of mistaken identity and denied any wrongdoing.

The CPS said there was not enough evidence to charge the former BBC producer

Today, he told the BBC: "I feel very bitter - I'm totally innocent."

He is one of 11 people arrested so far under Operation Yewtree, a national probe prompted by allegations that emerged against Savile.

Alison Saunders from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said today that there was not enough evidence to charge the suspect.

She said: "In this case the complainant made a withdrawal statement, which maintained that the allegations were true, but in which she said that she had made a statement to lend support to any other complainants who might come forward in relation to the same suspect.

"The complainant said that as she would be the only complainant to give evidence if the matter went to trial, she did not want to pursue it. She confirmed to the police that she came to this conclusion of her own free will, and was aware that she, like all complainants of sexual offences, was entitled to anonymity.

"We looked at the possibilities of bringing a prosecution without the evidence of this complainant, but have concluded that there would be insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction.

"The suspect has maintained his innocence throughout.

"The conclusion was that, having given careful consideration to all of the evidence gathered in this matter including the detail of the withdrawal statement and the views of the investigating police officer, it would not be in the interests of justice to compel the complainant to attend court to give evidence. Without her evidence there is insufficient evidence to proceed."

Mr De'ath, who is in his 70s, was arrested in Cambridgeshire on 11 November.

The CPS was given a file of evidence about him by police last Wednesday.

Allegations against a number of people linked to the entertainment industry emerged after publicity surrounding claims about disgraced television presenter Savile.

Other suspects arrested under Operation Yewtree include pop star Gary Glitter and comedians Freddie Starr and Jim Davidson.

They all deny any wrongdoing.

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