Jim Davidson praises fans for their support
Jim Davidson
Comic Jim Davidson got a standing ovation from fans at Dunstable’s Grove Theatre on Wednesday night after speaking about the battle to clear his name against allegations of sexual abuse.
He launched a bitter attack on police for their handling of the nation-wide Operation Yewtree initiative, which has seen a string of high profile figures, including former Radio One DJ Dave Lee Travis, from Mentmore, near Leighton, arrested on historical allegations of assaults against women.
On Wednesday the 59-year-old entertainer must return to a police station to answer bail granted following his arrest at Heathrow Airport in January. He has been accused of sexually assaulting two women 25 years ago.
Speaking after his performance at The Grove the comedian said that allegations were being made against celebrities who had no opportunity to defend themselves.
“People are coming out and making allegations about incidents which they say happened years ago. Where’s the evidence after all this time? How on earth can you prove that or defend yourself against something like that?” he said.
“I take these allegations very seriously and I will fight it all the way.
“My fans have been absolutely fantastic. Their loyalty is what keeps me going. My audiences know me and the sort of person I am. You saw it here. They were a great crowd.”
Davidson, whose career was launched on ITVs New Faces exactly 37 years ago this week, came on stage to prolonged applause.
Wearing a smart blue three-piece pin-striped suit, he said: “What do you think? Will it look good in court?”
He then launched into an 80-minute performance during which he spoke candidly about his ordeal.
“I can’t say much about what is going on but I will say that I think the police are off their ****ing heads and ought to be doing something about the real criminals out there.
“What they have done is absolutely diabolical, and you know that I’m a great supporter of the police. A couple of years ago I did a show here and gave all the money to the family of that Luton policeman (Jon Henry) who was murdered.
“I haven’t been charged with anything. I can’t take it seriously. It’s all b*****ks. It dates back to 1988. Do you remember what you were doing in 1988?
“This officer phoned me up and said: ‘I’m from Operation Yewtree, I bet you’ve been expecting us.
“I said: ‘No I haven’t! I’m about to go in the Big Brother house.’
“’We’ve seen who’s going on there’ he said. ‘So we thought we’d do you a favour and nick you before you went in.’”
Davidson said that following his arrest he was detained for 10 hours and interrogated while officers searched his home and office.
“I asked them what they were looking for? What would they take away that would be evidence of me being with a couple of women 25 years ago? What do they expect to find?
“I’ve lost all faith in the police now.”
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Weather for Luton
Tuesday 18 June 2013
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