Tim Westwood inquiry hotline receives ‘important new data’

A 24-hour hotline arrange for folks to report details about alleged intercourse offences by former BBC Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood has produced a “significant amount of important new information”.

The confidential cellphone line is a part of an unbiased inquiry into what the company knew about allegations of sexual misconduct in opposition to its ex-employee.

Barrister Gemma White KC, who was appointed by the BBC Board to guide the inquiry, stated it had been arrange in a bid to “expand the ways in which people can come forward” to report data.

An earlier inner overview discovered that the company ought to have additional explored a string of sexual assault allegations in opposition to the former hip hop DJ.

The line will shut this Friday, with the inquiry anticipated to publish its findings in the summertime.

Giving an replace, Ms White stated: “We would like to thank everyone who has contacted us via the review phone line.

“We know that taking the choice to name was not straightforward for a lot of of you and that chatting with us has taken braveness.

“Your evidence will assist me in my task of independently establishing whether the BBC knew of concerns and responded appropriately to them.

“If you’ve got been pondering of contributing however haven’t been certain about whether or not to take action, please do get in contact now.”

Westwood was questioned twice this year, in March and April, over 5 alleged intercourse offences stated to have taken place between 1982 and 2016.

The 65-year-old, who left the BBC in 2013, strongly denies the allegations. He stepped down from his present on Capital Xtra in April final yr.

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In an announcement final yr, a consultant of Westwood stated: “Tim Westwood strongly denies all allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

“In a profession that has spanned 40 years, there have by no means been any complaints made in opposition to him formally or unofficially.

“Tim Westwood strongly rejects all allegations of wrongdoing.”

The hotline – on 08000 121 838 – is open throughout working hours and on sure evenings till this Friday, and has a voicemail out of hours.