This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24722248

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Ex-BBC driver David Smith found dead Ex-BBC driver David Smith found dead
(35 minutes later)
A former BBC driver accused of sex offences has been found dead.A former BBC driver accused of sex offences has been found dead.
David Smith, 66, from Lewisham, south-east London, had been due to stand trial for allegedly abusing a 12-year-old boy in 1984. David Smith, 67, from Lewisham, south-east London, had been due to stand trial at Southwark Crown Court for allegedly abusing a boy, 12, in 1984.
A warrant had been issued for his arrest after he failed to appear at Southwark Crown Court on Monday. A warrant was issued for his arrest on Monday after he failed to attend court.
He was charged with two counts of indecent assault, two of indecency and one of a serious sexual offence as part of Operation Yewtree. Smith was charged with two counts of indecent assault, two of indecency and one of a serious sexual offence as part of Operation Yewtree. The cause of his death is not yet known.
Smith was the first person to be charged under the investigation set up to look at abuse claims against the late entertainer, Jimmy Savile. Smith was the first person to be charged under the investigation into historical cases of abuse, which was originally set up in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal.
It was alleged Smith met his victim at a swimming pool, invited him back to his flat where he sexually abused him.It was alleged Smith met his victim at a swimming pool, invited him back to his flat where he sexually abused him.
He also took the boy on a visit to the BBC studios at White City, in west London. During the journey the boy claimed that he was indecently assaulted.He also took the boy on a visit to the BBC studios at White City, in west London. During the journey the boy claimed that he was indecently assaulted.
Historical abuseHistorical abuse
The victim's partner contacted police after she saw his response to the ITV documentary Exposure: The Other Side of Jimmy Savile, which was broadcast on 3 October 2012.The victim's partner contacted police after she saw his response to the ITV documentary Exposure: The Other Side of Jimmy Savile, which was broadcast on 3 October 2012.
A previous attempt to track down Smith in 2002 had failed when police could not find him - even though he was in prison at the time.A previous attempt to track down Smith in 2002 had failed when police could not find him - even though he was in prison at the time.
David Smith was a prolific sex offender whose first conviction was in 1966. He had 22 convictions for sexual offences against young boys.David Smith was a prolific sex offender whose first conviction was in 1966. He had 22 convictions for sexual offences against young boys.
His barrister became concerned on Monday when Mr Smith failed to appear at court.His barrister became concerned on Monday when Mr Smith failed to appear at court.
Police found him at his home address at about 14:20 GMT and he was pronounced dead at the scene.Police found him at his home address at about 14:20 GMT and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of death is not yet known and a post-mortem examination will take place.The cause of death is not yet known and a post-mortem examination will take place.
His trial had been due to start on Tuesday.His trial had been due to start on Tuesday.
Yewtree is an inquiry into allegations of historical sexual abuse linked to the entertainment industry.Yewtree is an inquiry into allegations of historical sexual abuse linked to the entertainment industry.
The operation has three strands. One concerns Savile's crimes exclusively, while a second strand relates to allegations against Savile and others.The operation has three strands. One concerns Savile's crimes exclusively, while a second strand relates to allegations against Savile and others.
The third strand concentrates on accusations which emerged as a result of the publicity surrounding Savile, but which are unconnected to him.The third strand concentrates on accusations which emerged as a result of the publicity surrounding Savile, but which are unconnected to him.
Smith was investigated under the third strand.Smith was investigated under the third strand.