Savile claim detectives referred to police watchdog

TWO detectives who dealt with a sex crime claim against Jimmy Savile in 2008 have been referred to the police watchdog.

The detectives were dealing with a claim made by a woman in 2008 that disgraced presenter Savile assaulted her in 1970. Picture: PA

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said it has directed Sussex Police to refer the conduct of the pair over their handling of the alleged indecent assault.

A woman came forward in March 2008 to claim that disgraced television presenter Savile assaulted her in a caravan in around 1970 when she was in her early 20s.

This was referred to prosecutors with three other allegations against the performer received by Surrey Police, but in 2009 the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided no action could be taken.

Earlier this year, the CPS admitted this was a missed chance to charge Savile while he was alive, because victims were not taken seriously enough.

Alison Levitt QC found that “had the police and prosecutors taken a different approach” prosecutions could have been possible in relation to three victims.

SEE ALSO:

• Alan McGee says Savile sexually harassed wife

• Jimmy Savile’s Highland house ‘to be family home’

•Jimmy Savile: ‘I’m a victim – women assaulted me’