Derby Telegraph

How Savile hid in plain sight

PREDATOR USED HIS FAME TO CONTINUE OFFENDING

- SAVILE: PORTRAIT OF A PREDATOR

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OF THE

SHOCKING and disturbing, this eye-opening documentar­y explores how Jimmy Savile engineered his lifestyle and career to abuse without detection.

Now recognised as one of Britain’s most prolific sex offenders, Savile abused children for decades.

When the truth emerged after his death 10 years ago, attention turned to those who failed to stop him – notably people at the BBC, hospital trusts and the police.

Seen through the eyes of those who worked alongside him and investigat­ed him, this programme features new testimony from victims and some who witnessed his crimes, providing a vivid insight into how he courted the establishm­ent to protect himself.

Not only did he engineer his career to give him opportunit­y, but he also mixed in top circles, with celebritie­s, execs and even the royals. He was untouchabl­e. There are many shocking interviews here, as well as archive footage where you can see Savile’s sinister behaviour openly on air.

Sylvia Edwards recalls being a teen audience member at Top Of The Pops, when Savile stuck his hand up her skirt. She says: “I tried to get away, but his hand would not move.”

Ian Hampton, from the band Sparks that appeared on the show, said: “He’d strut around, nose in the air looking like the king. He was menacing, he could do anything he wanted. I think he saw TOTP as a hunting ground.”

Gary Pankhurst, a former detective on Operation Yewtree, says: “In my opinion, Savile was a high-functionin­g psychopath.”

DOCUMENTAR­Y LOOKS AT HOW SEX

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