Savile's Headstone Removed From Cemetery

The triple headstone marking Sir Jimmy Savile’s grave has been removed from a Scarborough cemetery and will be sent to landfill.

Savile’s family requested the removal of the headstone memorial "out of respect to public opinion" following allegations he sexually abused girls.

It is thought there could be up to 30 victims and Scotland Yard is pursuing 120 lines of inquiry.

Funeral director Robert Morphet, who organised Sir Jimmy's funeral and oversaw the dismantling of the headstone said the family of Sir Jimmy had made the decision because of "the impact the stone remaining there could have on the dignity and sanctity of the cemetery".

The triple headstone was removed from Woodlands Cemetery overnight to avoid a "circus" and will now be destroyed, funeral director Robert Morphet said.

"We felt the most dignified way to do it would be discreetly, quietly and while it was dark," Mr Morphet said.

The removal of the headstone comes days after a footpath sign in Scarborough commemorating Sir Jimmy was taken down by the borough council.

A plaque outside his flat in Scarborough was also removed last week after the words "rapist" and "paedophile" were written on it.

Leeds City Council has taken his name off an inscription on a wall commemorating high profile citizens at the city's Civic Hall.

And a wooden statue of Sir Jimmy, which stood outside Scotstoun Leisure Centre in Glasgow, was also removed from public display after the allegations were broadcast last week.

(H)