Can someone explain this please?

[10ClarionSt]

Some of those people who claim they were abused by Jimmy Saville are going to claim damages against his estate. Jimmy Saville will not face a court of law, cannot be found guilty so no crime has been officially committed. In that case, how can a claim go ahead and be successful? I'm not trying to trivialize anything. I just don't understand how a claim can be made in those circumstances. Can someone explain please? TIA

[Maydup]

Jimmy Saville will not face a court of law, CORRECT - cannot be found guilty so no crime has been officially committed - NOT THE CASE

Crimes were committed but just beacause he's not here to defend himself, doesn't mean it didn't happen does it 10Clarion.

[sir.prize]

Ironic really, clarion. You are always making claims about a football pundit.

[woofgang]

There will need to other kinds of evidence presented I guess...but yes, you can't just make a claim against a deceased person's estate and have it accepted on your word alone.

[plautus]

The burden of proof in civil cases is the balance of probabilities, a much easier test to satisfy that that which appertains to criminal courts, which is "beyond reasonable doubt".

I too do not wish to trivialise such a grave matter as child sexual abuse, but this whole thing stinks. The "victims" were quite happy to keep silent for 30, 40 years, yet suddenly their "lives have been destroyed". The scent of money is very alluring. It is safe to bring these allegations as by law the dead cannot be libelled, but I hope that saner counsels will prevail in any resulting actions.

[pastafreak]

plautus-you do not seem to have read the numerous threads on here that have addressed why victims of child abuse say nothing for what in many cases is decades.
I think you should...and then you may think twice about stating that " the scent of money is very alluring ". That DOES trivialise it. I would think money is the last thing on most of the victims minds.

[woofgang]

No, its not up to the executors. Claims against the estate for any reason go to court and the court decides.

[woofgang]

arggh, pressed wrong button. wanted to continue

as Plautus has said, its a civil matter, not a criminal one.