One of the more curious details in the Pollard inquiry transcripts released on Friday was an appearance by Dame Janet Smith, the top lawyer called in by the BBC to probe the substantial issue of how Jimmy Savile's sexual abuse went unchecked for over 45 years. She popped up at the end of BBC1 controller Danny Cohen's interview with the inquiry, admitting "I haven't read your statement". Smith then proceeded to ask him "how long have you been at the BBC?" and when he answered "five years", she replied in surprise: "As little as that?" She then added: "In that case, I think I'm probably not going to keep you very long." Then asked: "Did you ever hear any rumours or suggestion about Jimmy Savile?" Cohen replied: "No I didn't", pointing out he was a child when Savile was on TV. "OK, I am not going to take this any further," said the fearless investigator. Call in Jeremy Paxman.
