Freddie Starr loses defamation case against Karin Ward

Comedian Freddie Starr has lost his defamation claim at the High Court against Karin Ward, who said he groped her when she was 15.

Ms Ward, 56, alleges that the assault took place in 1974 behind the scenes of Jimmy Savile's Clunk Click TV show but a Crown Prosecution Service investigation into the claims decided no charges would be brought.

Mr Starr, 72, of Studley, Warwickshire, denied the claims and sought damages for alleged slander and libel.

Judge Mr Justice Nicol said the case failed because Ms Ward's testimony was found to be true, and because too much time had lapsed.