BBC Children in Need Chair Quits After Shocking Driving Conviction
Terrence Duddy’s stint as chair of BBC’s Children in Need has ended in disaster just 11 days after he took the job. The 69-year-old quit following a serious driving conviction linked to a harrowing crash with a cyclist.
Reckless Driving Crash Caught on CCTV
Duddy was handed an 18-month suspended sentence after his BMW hit a woman cyclist in her 50s in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire. CCTV footage showed the cyclist thrown into the air before slamming onto the road, leaving her with life-changing injuries.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the cyclist had right of way and branded the incident “a moment of carelessness” with devastating consequences.
Heavy Sentence and Immediate Exit
- Eight-month jail term suspended for 18 months
- 200 hours of unpaid work
- £272 costs
- 18-month driving ban
Shortly after the sentencing, Duddy resigned from his position at Children in Need — a stunning U-turn for someone who had just started leading the charity.
New Leadership Steps In
The charity has appointed trustee James Fairclough as the new chair to guide BBC Children in Need through the fallout and back on track.
