It was not unlawful

Youngster insists no law was broken. But mother stands by sex pic allegations

- NICOLA METHVEN

THE BBC presenter scandal last night took another twist when the youngster alleged to have been paid for sexual images by the star claimed he made it clear there was nothing to the story before it broke.

Speaking through a lawyer in a letter to the broadcaster, the alleged victim denied accusations by their mum that they had received £35,000 for the explicit pictures.

And it is said they sent the Sun newspaper a WhatsApp message on Friday evening before it published the story to insist there was "no truth to it". But it is claimed that was ignored.

The mum had alleged the youngster started being paid for the sexual images when they were 17, which is illegal, and were funding an addiction to crack cocaine over three years.

But the lawyer for the youngster, now 20, told the BBC last night: "For the avoidance of doubt, nothing inappropriate or unlawful has taker place between our client and the BBC personality and the allegations reported in the Sun newspaper are rubbish." However, after the denial was aired on the BBC News at 6pm hosted by Fiona Bruce, the alleged victim's mum said: "It is sad but we stand by our account and we hope they get the help they need.

WHAT BOSSES MUST EXPLAIN

1 How many attempts were made by BBC executives to contact the family?

2 Was the presenter spoken to after the initial complaint was made?

3 Is there any evidence the person was under 18 at the time of the exchange of messages?

4 Why did it take nearly two months for the BBC to take any action after the initial complaint in May?

"We did this to help and the presenter has got into their head. How did they afford a lawyer? We are so sad." The youngster's stepdad added: "We are disappointed at the statement. It's not true.