Stuart Hall Denies Rape Allegations

BBC broadcaster Stuart Hall has denied allegations of rape and indecent assault, saying the recent sex offence charges against have made his life a "living nightmare".

The former It's A Knockout star was speaking outside Preston magistrates court regarding the allegations, which are said to have occurred between 1967 and 1986.

Mr Hall, 83, was speaking speaking for the first time since the allegations surfaced last month.

He told journalists he might have considered taking his own life if it was not for the support of his family.

"The last two months of my life have been a living nightmare. I have never gone through so much stress in my life and I am finding it difficult to sustain."

Hall was charged by Lancashire police last month with one count of rape allegedly against a 22-year-old woman and 14 offences of indecent assault against 10 girls aged between nine and 16.

He said: "Fortunately I have a very loving family and they are very supportive and I think but for their love I might have been constrained to take my own life.

"They have encouraged me to fight on, to fight the charges and regain my reputation and good name and whatever I have represented to this country down the years.

"With that I would like to thank everybody who has supported me for their good will which has sustained me through this absolutely horrific ordeal."

Mr Hall received an OBE in the last New Year honours list.

He is one of several prominent broadcasters to have been accused of sexual offences since the Jimmy Savile scandal emerged towards the end of last year.

(IT)