Britain reviews child sexual abuse policy after Jimmy Savile scandal

LONDON (AFP) - Britain's top prosecutor announced a shake-up on Wednesday of the way sexual abuse of children is dealt with in the criminal justice system to prevent a repeat of the Jimmy Savile scandal.

Keir Starmer said police and prosecutors needed to change the way they assessed the credibility of victims and should examine potential suspects more closely for patterns of behaviour and links to other cases in deciding whether to pursue an allegation.

The announcement follows public horror at revelations that Savile, who died in 2011 aged 84, used his fame as a star presenter on BBC television and radio to sexually abuse hundreds of children over four decades.

"We cannot afford another Savile moment in five or ten years' time," said Starmer, the director of public prosecutions.