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The former agent of murdered TV personality Jill Dando has accused the BBC of using her death - including a
reconstruction of her mysterious killing - for their own propaganda purposes.
Whereas the BBC presented Ms. Dando after her death as their lost golden girl, her agent has revealed that the
reality behind the scenes was very different from that presented to the public.
"The BBC eulogies after her death were totally disproportionate to the negotiations behind the scenes",
said Jon Roseman. "It was Jill's decision to stick with the BBC. I leaned her toward ITV where she'd have
had star treatment. But her career at the BBC did not really develop".
The agent was horrified by the BBC's refusal to allow Ms. Dando to present the Six O'Clock News and even more so
by a suggestion that she should consider a move on to radio. Proposals to front programmes in conjunction with
Prince Edward had also been abortive.
"Jill flirted with ITV", declared Roseman. "David Liddiment, the powerful director
of channels, said she could pick what she wanted. But she felt loyal to the BBC so we cut a deal".
The appeal case of Barry George, the supposed stalker found guilty of shooting Jill Dando, is due to begin on July
17th.
18/7/02
The Appeal Court has been presented with the case for Barry George's appeal this week against his conviction for
murdering TV presenter Jill Dando.
Michael Mansfield, QC, based his appeal on the following grounds:
1. Jury irregularities. Mr Mansfield claimed that the original Old Bailey jury that convicted George ignored
the trial judge's instructions by continuing their arguments in their hotel at night.
2. Forensic evidence. Mr Mansfield also said that forensic evidence of an invisible speck of firearms residue found
in the accused's pocket which matched particles in the victim's hair should have been excluded from the trial.
An expert witness had stated that the evidence had "no relevance" as it was only a single particle, was
not observed until a year after the murder when police searched the accused's home, and could have come from other
sources.
3. Identification evidence. The original trial judge, Mr Justice Gage, allowed the prosecutor to call four witnesses
who could not conclusively identify George during face-only video ID parades. Mr Mansfield claims this was a mistake
by the judge and that this evidence should have been inadmissible.
The case continues.
29/7/02
Appeal Court rejects Barry George's appeal.
Three senior Appeal Court judges have ruled that there is a "compelling case" against him and have rejected
claims that the evidence was flawed.
The judges ruled that the following confirmed George's guilt:
- Identification evidence; 9 partial sightings and 1 positive ID.
- Forensic evidence; a fibre found on Jill Dando was consistent with George's clothing, and this showed a "two-way
forensic connection" between victim and killer.
- George was obsessed with women TV presenters.
- He lied repeatedly during police interviews.
- His alibi was "flawed".
George's own lawyers said that there was no DNA; no fingerprints; and no footprints which linked him to the
killing. The murder weapon was never found.
George's sister, Michelle Diskin, confirmed that she will continue the fight to prove her brother's innocence:
"This is not justice, but this can happen to anybody - to your brother, your aunt and your child. They
had no evidence to convict Barry. This is appalling. I completely believe in his innocence."
The case will now proceed to the House of Lords.
2/8/02
 TV presenters reveal stalker fears.
London News presenter Emily Maitlis, 31, has revealed that she has been stalked for the past 6 years. Ms. Maitlis
has been bombarded with letters and phone calls, and has been allegedly followed by a man.
In recent cases, newsreader Julia Somerville, 54, received hundreds of obscene letters - 400 over a period of 10
years; TV anchorwoman Sarah Lockett, 34, suffered recurrent phone calls and received repeated letters and unwanted
'gifts'.
In Ms. Lockett's case a jury failed to reach a verdict on a charge of making a threat to kill; the accused man
was found guilty only of harassment.
5/8/02
The son of Britain's most senior law officer is being held in a high-security American prison charged with stalking
a girl and threatening to kill her boyfriend.
Alastair Irvine, 25, son of Lord Chancellor Derry Irvine, is awaiting trial in Orange County, California. If convicted
he faces up to 15 years imprisonment.
19 year-old blonde Nicole Healy has been the alleged object of his obsessive attention. She commented:
"I don't know what will happen because of his father's power. Will they just ship him home and allow
him to come back on the next plane?
He needs to be put away in a secure place. If not, I am afraid not just for myself, but other women. I'd be in
fear for my life".
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