BBC bosses set to meet police today after presenter who ‘paid teen for sexual pictures’ is suspended
POLICE are meeting with BBC chiefs today over bombshell claims a presenter paid a teen for sex pictures.
The well-known man allegedly gave the youngster more than £35,000 over three years.
A scandal has now erupted at the BBC, with the presenter suspended and an urgent investigation launched.
The broadcaster confirmed bosses will meet with the Met Police later today to decide whether or not the unnamed presenter has broken the law.
He could face charges of causing or inciting sexual exploitation of a child under the Sexual Offences Act, which carries a maximum 14-year sentence.
The presenter could also be charged with making or possessing indecent images, which has a maximum tariff of ten years.
Under the law, a child counts as someone aged under 18 even if the content was created with their consent.
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk also the confirmed talks would be taking place as he suggested a further probe is needed into how the BBC handled the allegations.
Speaking to Sky News, he said: “These are very serious and concerning allegations. You ask me as a parent – I would be extremely concerned about that.
“I think in fairness, I don’t know precisely what was said and at what time, but certainly you would expect allegations of that nature to be dealt with very robustly and promptly.
“I think what we are now seeing today… and I understand there is going to be a meeting with the police, and that is absolutely right.
“And it may be that in the fullness of time there will need to be an investigation about how this allegation was handled. That is quite possible.
“But right now I think it is important, in the interest of that victim, of that complainant, that this is dealt with as quickly and fairly and robustly as possible.”
It comes after Scotland Yard yesterday confirmed they had been contacted by the BBC but no formal report has been made.
A spokesperson added: “We will require additional information before determining what further action should follow.”
The Sun exclusively revealed the presenter was taken off air after he allegedly paid the youngster over £35,000 since they were 17.
The mum told how the teenager used the man’s alleged funds to feed a drug addiction.
She said they had gone from a “happy-go-lucky youngster to a ghost-like crack addict” in just three years.
In an interview with The Sun on Sunday, she also claimed the family complained in May but became frustrated that the star was still on air a month later.
The family have since handed a dossier of evidence to the broadcaster’s lead investigator, ex-cop Jeff Brown.
The Government is now demanding answers from BBC chief Tim Davie as the scandal deepens.
Former Culture Minister Damian Collins said: “I think the concern will be that this was raised by the family in May this year, but what happened when the complaint was initially raised?
“Why didn’t they do something sooner, I think is a fair challenge to the BBC.”
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer sat down with Mr Davie and said she was promised the firm was “investigating swiftly”.
The chief later sent an email to staff saying he was taking the allegations “incredibly seriously”.