...THEN HE BACKTRACKS: ‘INFORMATION WAS FALSE’

STATEMENT TO THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS

During the period of these conversations, Martin took information he had got from the highest level and made them into a graphic using the bank statement Spencer had given him. He did it believing the information to be correct. He did it to put together a file of information he’d gathered thus far in the investigation. I have talked to Martin, and others involved, and I am satisfied of the following points: - the graphic had no part whatsoever in gaining the interview with the Princess of Wales. We also have her word in writing for that. - the graphic was not intended for transmission; in fact the information soon turned out to be false. - nonetheless, to produce such a graphic was unwise. He shouldn’t have done it. I have talked to Martin at length about his reasons for compiling the graphic: - he has none, other than he wasn’t thinking. - I believe he is, even with his lapse, honest and an honourable man. He is contrite. As I said, this had no impact on the investigation or the interview. It was unwise. I am writing to him giving him requesting [sic] that his action was incautious and unwise, and that he should be a great deal more careful in the future. The final point concerns the actions of those who leaked material to the press: - We are taking steps to ensure that the graphic designer involved will not work for the BBC again (when the current contract expires in the next few weeks) - In addition, between now and the summer, we will work to deal with leakers and remove persistent troublemakers from the programme