The publicist for disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards has spoken out following the sacking of radio presenter Scott Mills. Barry Tomes, who represented Edwards during the broadcast of a Channel 5 drama about his indecent images case, denied any involvement with Mills and offered his own speculation about the situation.
According to the Daily Mail, Tomes said: 'I am not a consultant for ex-BBC employees! My guess he said 'thanks love' when a runner gave him a cup of coffee. That person is now off sick with anxiety. This is the world we live in.'
The Mirror revealed that Mills, a former BBC Radio 1 and 2 DJ, was questioned in 2018 over historical allegations of serious sexual offences. The investigation, which began in 2016, was closed in 2019 after the Crown Prosecution Service deemed there was insufficient evidence to bring charges. The allegations reportedly occurred between 1997 and 2000, and the Metropolitan Police confirmed the teenage boy involved was under 16.
On Wednesday April 1, the Mirror reported that the BBC terminated Mills' contract after receiving compelling new information. The BBC confirmed the report and stated they were 'doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the BBC at this time.' Mills was taken off air last Wednesday and replaced by Gary Davies without warning.
A BBC spokesperson said: 'While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted to work with the BBC.' A source close to the BBC said they acted 'quickly and decisively' following a complaint. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a man in his 40s was investigated but no charges were brought due to insufficient evidence.
