Stuart Hall's prison sentence was passed down at Preston Crown Court on Monday (June 17, 2013), with the veteran BBC broadcaster told he will serve 15 months for sexually abusing under-age girls. Hall, 83, of Wilmslow, Cheshire, had admitted to 14 offences that occurred between 1967 and 1985. One of the girls was just nine-years-old when Hall assaulted her.

The broadcaster's barrister Crispin Aylett told the court that Hall has "all of 13" victims, compared to Jimmy Savile's 1,300. Prosecuting barrister Peter Wright QC said Hall's first victim was 16 at the time of the assault, with the TV personality meeting her at a prize giving ceremony at the BBC studios in Piccadilly, Manchester. 

The ex-BBC Radio 5 live man and It's A Knockout host initially called the allegations "pernicious, callous, cruel and above all spurious." However, Hall eventually admitted to the offences, with the court hearing how he molested a nine-year-old girl in the 1980s by putting his hand up her clothing. He also kissed a 13-year-old girl on the lips after saying to her "People need to show thanks in other ways." On another occasion in the 1970s, he fondled the breast of a girl aged 16 or 17.

Another count of rape will lie on the court file.

Other high profile individuals to be arrested in connection with Operation Yewtree - set up following revelations into Jimmy Savile's sordid past - include publicist Max Clifford, comedian Jim Davidson, singer and artist Rolf Harris and Jimmy Tarbuck.

Is 15 months a sufficient sentence for the sexual abuse of under-age girls?

Jim DavidsonMax Clifford
Jim Davidson [L] and Max Clifford [R] Are Others To Be Arrested In Connection With Operation Yewtree