Family of youngster ‘paid by BBC star for sex pictures’ says corporation ignored bombshell testimony given 6 WEEKS ago
THE family of the youngster allegedly paid by a presenter for sex pictures last night accused the BBC of ignoring bombshell testimony given seven weeks ago.
Emails seen by The Sun show the stepfather told the Beeb on May 19 of bank statements detailing huge payments from the star.
The family also said they have only spoken out to help save their vulnerable addict child.
The BBC star is accused of paying the youngster for sexual photos and video calls – with the money allegedly spent on a “spiralling” crack habit.
The family said they complained to the BBC hours after the presenter tried to meet the youngster at a train station.
The stepdad insists he only wanted them to get the star to stop sending cash.
He added: “Without the money, my partner’s child would have no drugs.”
The stepdad said he told Beeb bosses they had screenshots of contact between their child and the star, he added.
But the presenter remained on air and was not even spoken to until The Sun contacted the BBC last week.
The furious stepfather accused the BBC of lying after it said “new allegations” had come to light, leading to the star’s suspension on Sunday.
The stepdad said he was told the new claims were that the youngster was 17 when contact began with the presenter.
He fumed: “They’re not telling the truth. I told them the youngster was 20 and it had been going on for three years. It’s not hard to do the maths.”
He added: “I told the BBC I had gone to the police in desperation but they couldn’t do anything as they said it wasn’t illegal. They knew all of this.”
He also said the money did not stop, adding: “I don’t even think they spoke to him.”
The BBC say they did call the family in June – but no one picked up.
A lawyer for the youngster said nothing unlawful or inappropriate happened.