Broadcaster Stuart Hall has pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting thirteen girls between the ages of 9 and seventeen during an appearance at Preston Crown Court on 16 April - which can only be reported upon today..
The BBC veteran, 83, admitted to the charges which date back to a ten year period between 1974 and 1984 despite prior protestations of innocence.
In a dramatic courtroom U-turn however Hall opted to switch this stance whilst flanked by legal representatives, calmly repeating the word ‘guilty’ to a court clerk as 14 separate charges were read out to him.
The admission paves the way for Hall’s signature to be added to the sex offenders register and a potential period in custody when sentencing takes place on 17 June.
Some of the charges Hall now admits were true relate to the molestation of a nine year old girl by putting his hand up her clothing and kissing a 13 year old girl on the lips whilst saying ‘People need to show thanks in other ways.’
Hall also confessed to fondling the breasts of teenagers in the 1970s.
The broadcaster previously presented the BBC’s It’s a Knockout and was a regular football commentator on Radio 5 Live but has not worked for the corporation since the charges first came to light on 5 December.