Dame Janet Smith’s inquiry was set up in October 2012, but publication of its report has been subject to a string of delays

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

The report into sexual abuse at the BBC is to be published within the next six weeks, after police finally ruled that it will not prejudice any ongoing investigations.

Dame Janet Smith’s inquiry was set up in October 2012 in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal, but publication of its report has been subject to a string of delays.

Last May, the police stepped in to halt publication, saying that it could prejudice its own investigations.

“The review has been informed by the Metropolitan police that it is no longer concerned that publication of the report could prejudice its ongoing investigations,” said a statement on behalf of the review. “The review is carrying out final checks in advance of delivery to the BBC and publication. Publication should take place within six weeks.”

Smith’s inquiry contacted more than 775 people and interviewed 375 witnesses in the Savile investigation and more than 100 in the inquiry into Stuart Hall.

Members of the review visited the court during Hall’s trial and also visited the Shepherd’s Bush Empire, which was owned by the BBC, and Television Centre.

Smith’s inquiry is expected to uncover hundreds of victims targeted by Savile and reveal a culture of ignorance which protected him.



Later revelations about Hall, jailed in 2013 after pleading guilty to a string of child abuse charges, prompted the BBC to announce a related inquiry, led by former high court judge Dame Linda Dobbs, which will feed into the Smith review.

The review has been investigating whether BBC bosses were or ought to have been aware of inappropriate sexual conduct on its premises.

In a statement following the announcement, the BBC said: “We welcome the review’s statement today and look forward to receiving the report. A publication date will be announced when the report is delivered to us.”