Dave Lee Travis Charged With 12 Offences

Police have confirmed former BBC Radio 1 presenter, Dave Lee Travis, has been charged with 12 historical sexual offences.

Mr Travis, whose real name is David Patrick Griffin, faces 11 counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual assault, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.

He will appear before Westminster magistrates on 23 August.

The allegations date from 1977 to 2997 and relate to nine female complainants between the ages of 15 and 29.

The 68-year-old was first arrested by police as part of Operation Yewtree – an investigation into historical claims of sexual offences linked to the entertainment industry which was set up wake of sexual offence allegations against ex-TV presenter and Radio 1 DJ Jimmy Savile.

Mr Travis was first arrested in November 2012 and released on bail. He was then rearrested in March and questioned further.

Alison Saunders, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London, said: "Having completed our review, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest for Mr Griffin to be charged with 11 counts of indecent assault and one of sexual assault.

"These date from 1977 to 2007 and relate to nine complainants aged between 15 and 29 at the time of the alleged offending."

"The decision to prosecute has been taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and the DPP's interim guidelines on prosecuting cases of child sexual abuse. We have determined that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that a prosecution is in the public interest."

Ms Saunders added that no further action should be taken in relation to seven separate allegations.

According to the BBC, a solicitor for Travis – Martin Bale – said the former DJ had answered bail at a police station in London on Thursday and had been informed that he was being charged.

Speaking to reporters as he arrived back at his home, Mr Travis said: "To say the least I am very disappointed that the police and the CPS have decided to bring charges.

"These allegations are not true. I am very much looking forward to actually clearing my name on this."

Operation Yewtree was launched in the wake of sexual offence allegations against ex-TV presenter and Radio 1 DJ Jimmy Savile. The operation has three strands. One is looking specifically at the actions of Savile and the second strand concerns allegations of sexual offences against "Savile and others".

Mr Travis's arrest falls within a third strand, relating to allegations against other people unconnected to the Savile investigation.

(JP/CD)