Stuart Hall: BBC Launches Separate Inquiry

The BBC has announced a freestanding inquiry into the conduct of disgraced former presenter Stuart Hall on its premises.

The corporation said in a statement: "In light of a potential conflict of interest with Dame Janet Smith there will be a freestanding investigation covering Stuart Hall's conduct at the BBC which will feed into her review.

"This work will be led by a different individual appointed by the BBC."

Hall is facing jail after pleading guilty last month to a string of offences against girls aged as young as nine.

The 83-year-old, who was a regular football match summariser on Radio 5 Live but has now been dropped by the BBC, was described as an "opportunistic predator" by prosecutors.

Hall admitted touching and kissing 13 young victims during the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Many were daughters of friends.

The former It's A Knockout Presenter had previously denied any wrongdoing, telling reporters the claims against him were "cruel".

But last month he entered guilty pleas at Preston Crown Court, details of which only emerged last week when reporting restrictions were lifted.

He was told he must sign the sex offenders' register and was granted bail on condition that he lives at his home in Wilmslow, Cheshire, and has no unsupervised contact with children.

Hall will be sentenced on June 17.

On Sunday, BBC trust chairman Lord Patten had said there would not be a separate inquiry into how the disgraced star was able to abuse his victims at the corporation.

He told the Andrew Marr Show that Dame Janet Smith's review into Jimmy Savile's conduct would also look at how Hall had the opportunity to abuse victims.

Lord Patten said: "I think to set up a new inquiry, when there is already one which is extremely well-resourced operating, would probably delay arriving at the truth."

But now the corporation has said there will be a freestanding probe into Hall's conduct.

Lord Patten also confirmed on Sunday the BBC was likely to face compensation claims from Hall's victims.