NEWS : EXCLUSIVE: Texts reveal bullying torment of BBC's Russell Joslin (1 Viewer)

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BBC Coventry and Warwickshire journalist Russell Joslin left behind allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and a BBC cover-up before his apparent suicide – in texts exclusively seen by the Telegraph.The string of text messages testify the respected 50-year-old broadcaster blamed the depression which took him out of work this year on BBC management – and its failure to respond to his concerns.His father Peter, a former Warwickshire chief constable, also has recordings left by his son revealing how one former female BBC Coventry and Warwickshire colleague had spoken to him.Russell believed she had harrassed and bullied him after he spurned her sexual advances.One of Russell’s texts to a friend was sent on October 5, while off sick from his job – less than three weeks before his tragic death on Monday.It stated: “I have changed since I was ill, which I blame them for. I loathe the BBC, the entire mindset.”The texts also show how he drew parallels with the current alleged BBC cover-up over former Radio One presenter Jimmy Savile’s alleged sexual abuse. Again on October 5, Russell texted: “Who could possibly believe (words removed) are sexual predators and the corporation sweeps allegations under carpet. I told you the (name removed) story? How she pestered me endlessly. I made a complaint. Ignored.”Russell’s family and friends say he was “haunted” by the saga from the mid-2000s, and the anguish plagued him further this year.The Telegraph exclusively revealed yesterday how Russell’s father had called for the BBC to hold an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death, and complaints he had made.A coroner’s inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday after a post-mortem concluded he died of asphyxiation.Russell developed renewed grievances with BBC managers in the spring this year over his working arrangements. He took several months off work with mental health problems, before recently returning to BBC Coventry and Warwickshire two days a week, including reading the news.HIs father Peter, of High Street, Kenilworth, where Russell lived next door, told the Telegraph: “Questions have to be asked by the BBC and not swept under the carpet.“Mistakes should be looked at so they can be avoided in the future.”“It’s too late now to save my son. He complained at the time. Nothing was done.“He recorded himself and (name withheld by us) and the threats she made to him. We have evidence word for word of exactly what was said.“I had a visit from BBC regional official Cath Hearn on Wednesday. I got the impression they would have some kind of inquiry. It is something they should have done before, including a week ago when Russell went to see them.“I’m used to death, having served on the murder squad – but when it’s your own son it’s different.”It is believed Russell jumped in front of a bus in Kenilworth’s main road, Warwick Road, on Saturday morning, and told ambulance workers he was trying to commit suicide. He had also told a friend he would attempt suicide.He was taken to the mental health unit at St Michael’s, Warwick, where it’s thought he suffocated himself on Monday. He was pronounced dead after being taken to Warwick Hospital.Peter said Russell had shown no signs of mental illness until earlier this year.Journalists, politicians and radio listeners have been posting tributes to Russell on social media, including former Coventry Telegraph deputy editor John Lamb who described him as a “great character”, “well-liked” and “infectious”.The woman accused of harassing him is reported to have said there was never a complaint against her, despite Russell’s claim in his text messages. She denies any wrong-doing, and claims she was asked by managers to try to help him.The BBC said in a statement: “Our thoughts and



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