BBC licence fee threats to missing chef

THE BBC has apologised to the mother of missing chef Claudia Lawrence for repeatedly sending TV licence fee demands to her daughter’s home.

Joan Lawrence, 79, said up to three letters a year – including a threat of a £1,000 fine in January – were sent to her daughter’s home in York where she vanished 14 years ago.

Police believe Claudia, then 35, was murdered but her body has never been found.

The BBC said it was ‘sorry for any distress’ to Mrs Lawrence and that the letters would stop. She said: ‘I hope this brings the matter to an end.’