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Jimmy Savile estate and BBC sued over alleged abuse Jimmy Savile estate and BBC sued over alleged abuse
(35 minutes later)
The BBC and the estate of Jimmy Savile are being sued by alleged sex abuse victims of the late DJ and presenter. The estate of Jimmy Savile and the BBC are being sued by alleged sex abuse victims of the late DJ and presenter.
Solicitor Alan Collins, of law firm Pannone, said a writ had been issued at the High Court on behalf of 31 alleged victims.Solicitor Alan Collins, of law firm Pannone, said a writ had been issued at the High Court on behalf of 31 alleged victims.
He said the allegations ranged in seriousness "from inappropriate behaviour to serious sexual abuse". All claimants were taking action against Savile's estate, while up to eight were also suing the BBC, he said.
More than 40 claims against Savile's estate, the BBC and three hospitals were launched last November. More than 90 people are pursuing legal action in the wake of allegations of abuse by Savile.
Legal firm Russell Jones & Walker sent "letters before action" to the BBC, Leeds General Infirmary, Stoke Mandeville and Broadmoor hospitals and NatWest bank, executor to the late presenter's £4m estate. The cases had been put on hold until the outcome of a series of inquiries by the police, the BBC and the NHS amongst others.
NatWest has frozen the late DJ's account. Mr Collins said that the number of people getting in touch with Pannone over alleged abuse still "grows on a daily basis".
At the same time, Pannone sent letters of claim to Savile's estate, on behalf of seven alleged victims, one of whom was also pursuing action against the BBC. He said: "The purpose of issuing the writ is to protect our clients' position and to seek management directions from the court to ensure the claims are administered as efficiently as possible.
Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Collins said that the number of people getting in touch with Pannone over alleged abuse still "grows on a daily basis". "At this stage we are unable to expand in detail on the nature of the cases or the allegations that have been made, which range in seriousness from inappropriate behaviour to serious sexual abuse."
In statement, the BBC said: "We're unable to comment on any legal claims of this nature made against the corporation."
Last November, formal letters of claim on behalf of 36 people were sent by another firm, Russell Jones & Walker, to the Savile estate, the BBC, Leeds General Infirmary, Stoke Mandeville and Broadmoor hospitals.
NatWest bank, executor to the late presenter's £4m estate, has frozen the account.
Savile, who died in 2011 aged 84, was a Radio 1 DJ and the presenter of the Jim'll Fix It show on BBC One.Savile, who died in 2011 aged 84, was a Radio 1 DJ and the presenter of the Jim'll Fix It show on BBC One.
Last month a Metropolitan Police report said he had abused adults and children across the country over a time span of 50 years. The NSPCC said Savile had been one of the most prolific sex offenders in its 129-year history.Last month a Metropolitan Police report said he had abused adults and children across the country over a time span of 50 years. The NSPCC said Savile had been one of the most prolific sex offenders in its 129-year history.