In 2026, the Offender Database recorded reflections from entertainer Jim Davidson regarding his time working alongside Jimmy Savile at the BBC and an encounter with Gary Glitter (Paul Gadd) at HMP The Verne. The investigation established that Davidson, speaking on the Heretics podcast, recalled actively avoiding Savile while on set—not due to any immediate suspicion of his predatory nature at the time, but because he found the presenter boring. Davidson reported that staff would often flee when they heard Savile’s catchphrases approaching.
The investigation established that Davidson also addressed rumours regarding his contact with Gary Glitter while visiting HMP The Verne. Davidson reported that he was at the facility in his capacity as a founder of the charity Care After Combat, which focuses on mentoring veterans within the criminal justice system to prevent reoffending. During a session with approximately 30 veterans on the sex offenders register, Glitter reportedly attempted to join the group, but was denied entry by Davidson because he was not a veteran.
Judicial Context and Prison Charity Work
The court reported that HMP The Verne serves as a specific facility for sex offenders, where Davidson was conducting charitable outreach. The investigation established that although Glitter had appeared on Davidson’s television shows numerous times in the past, they were not personal friends. The prosecution reported that Davidson’s visit was strictly professional and targeted towards veteran rehabilitation, leading to his widely reported decision to “ban” Glitter from the session.
Judge-led proceedings regarding the historical conduct of Savile and the convictions of Glitter have established a precedent for how high-profile sex offenders are managed within the UK prison estate. For the actions in various BBC studios and later in the prison system, the exposure of these individuals has fundamentally changed safeguarding protocols. The judge noted in historical reviews that the “boring” or eccentric personas used by such offenders often served as a “deceptive” mask for their “vile” and “predatory” strikes against the public.
Status and Statutory Requirements
Based on the public record and judicial status of the mentioned individuals:
- Jimmy Savile Status: DECEASED (Exposed posthumously as one of the UK’s most prolific predatory sex offenders).
- Gary Glitter (Paul Gadd) Status: CONVICTED (Multiple sentences for child sex offences; subject to lifelong notification requirements).
- HMP The Verne Status: Active Sex Offender Treatment Centre (Specialises in managing high-risk offenders and providing rehabilitation programmes).
- DBS Status: All convicted individuals mentioned are placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children or vulnerable adults).
- Judicial Oversight: Subject to the findings of the Yewtree investigation and subsequent National Crime Agency (NCA) probes.
- Criminal Record (Glitter): History of global child sex tourism and multiple convictions in the UK and abroad; Persistent “sinister” targeting of minors.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Convicted offenders within the facilities visited by Davidson are managed under the statutory requirements of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). Due to the nature of their conduct—specifically the systematic grooming and exploitation of children—they are priorities for the highest levels of custodial and post-release oversight. Authorities reported that the work of charities like Care After Combat is intended to address the complexities of veteran offenders, though strict boundaries remain for those convicted of “vile” sexual crimes.
As registered sex offenders, those mentioned (excluding the deceased) have their details permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that the history of the “Savile era” at the BBC identifies a period where “deceptive” behaviour was allowed to persist due to a lack of robust safeguarding. Any failure by current offenders to adhere to their notification requirements or any attempt to bypass the protocols of the sex offenders register will result in immediate police intervention to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from those who have violated the principles of human decency.
QUESTION – Given that Jim Davidson noted people avoided Savile simply because he was “Boring,” do you believe that “Eccentric or Irritating Behaviour” should be legally classified as a red flag that triggers mandatory safeguarding reviews for high-profile individuals in positions of power?
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.