THE BBC has apologised over the handling of staff welfare in relation to former radio presenter Alex Belfield.
The ex Radio Leeds host – labelled the “Jimmy Savile of trolling” – tormented colleagues for years but the broadcaster admits it “didn’t do enough”.
PAEx-BBC presenter Alex Belfield[/caption]
PABelfield is due to be released from prison this summer[/caption]
SWNSBelfield was dubbed the ‘Jimmy Saville of trolling’ by Jeremy Vine[/caption]
The DJ was jailed for five years and 26 weeks in September 2022 over a campaign of stalking which saw him target two BBC presenters, a videographer and a theatre blogger.
It was made clear during sentencing that he would only serve half of his term in prison and the rest on licence – meaning he’ll be freed in June this year.
Today the BBC has released a statement saying it is “unacceptable for anyone to be the target of sustained abuse in the way Rozina Breen, Elizabeth Green, Stephanie Hirst and Helen Thomas were over a number of years”.
It continued: “The BBC cares deeply about the welfare of its staff and we recognise that before 2019 we simply didn’t do enough for these members of staff in understanding the full impact that Alex Belfield’s unacceptable behaviour had on them.
“For that we are deeply sorry and offer a full and unreserved apology.
“Abuse – particularly on social media – presents lots of challenges for employers and we all need to keep learning and implement the best practice on how we can support our staff.
“That’s why the BBC has an online abuse guidance and reporting tool – which today provides all staff with information and support on how to address and combat online abuse.
“The BBC has also expanded its mental wellbeing resources and strengthened our internal investigative capabilities.
“We are significantly better equipped to manage these issues now and in the future, but we will never be complacent.”
It comes after Belfield previously appeared to make light of his conviction ahead of his impending release, with his website saying his Voice of Reason podcast will return this summer, and refers to him as “The Convicted Talker”.
A message also reads: “Thank you for stalking AlexBelfield.com – Officially a political prisoner since 2023.”
He is due to embark on a tour to promote six books he is currently finishing behind bars, and his site jokes he will appear in panto in 2026 called “Jack and The Bean Stalker”.
‘JIMMY SAVILE OF TROLLING’
Deranged Belfield was jailed after targeting victims with a deluge of sick emails, social media posts and vile YouTube videos.
Jeremy Vine called him the “Jimmy Savile of trolling” and broke down in court as he described the two-year “avalanche” of hatred unleashed by Belfield and his equally nasty followers, starting in April 2020.
The court heard Jeremy received 5,000 to 10,000 hateful tweets after Belfield made abusive comments about him.
The Channel 5 host told how he feared an attack from one of Belfield’s followers and even put a picture of the stalker in his hallway in case he called at the family home.
Fellow Radio Leeds DJ Liz Green previously told The Sun how Belfield bombarded her with messages calling her “transvestite”, “ugly”, “old” and “boring” as part of a torrent of toxic abuse.
She claims the BBC did nothing for years about Belfied’s bullying, until he targeted TV and radio host Vine.
Green said she first reported him in 2012 after his harassment of her and two colleagues.
She alleges they only took her claims seriously when Belfield started tormenting trans radio DJ Stephanie Hirst in 2017, and only took action after Jeremy was targeted.
She said: “Belfield has been harassing me and colleagues for years and got away with it. But when Jeremy was stalked it was suddenly treated very seriously.
“I don’t hold it against Jeremy, because he has supported us all the way.
“I am certain Belfield wouldn’t have taken it so far if the BBC took action against him right at the start.”
SWNSJeremy Vine was targeted by Belfield[/caption]
Kyte photographyLiz Green said she raised numerous complaints with bosses over Belfield’s relentless abuse[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
