JIMMY Savile’s multi-million pound estate has been frozen following the child sex abuse allegations that have destroyed the late star’s reputation.
NatWest Bank, which is acting as Savile’s will executor and trustee, yesterday confirmed the distribution of his riches had been put on hold in light of the continuing abuse scandal.
At least one law firm is known to have launched claims against the estate on behalf of the Leeds-born TV and radio host’s alleged victims.
Savile left a personal fortune of £4.3m when he died last October, aged 84.
Around £3.6m was due to go to the Jimmy Savile Charitable Trust.
The annual interest from a separate £600,000 trust fund was to be shared between six of Savile’s family and friends while a further 18 people were each left £1,000.
NatWest said in a statement yesterday: “Given the claims raised, distribution of the estate has been put on hold.”
The decision was welcomed by Alan Collins, a partner and specialist in abuse work at law firm Pannone.
He revealed last week that he had initiated a number of claims against Savile’s estate on behalf of alleged victims.
Mr Collins said: “This is good news for those victims of Savile who are taking legal action, as it means that they will be able to pursue claims against the estate.
“If NatWest had not put the estate on hold, it would have meant legal action against Savile’s estate to prevent the assets from being distributed amongst the beneficiaries of his will.”
Mr Collins also said his firm was “actively pursuing” inquiries into Savile’s overseas assets, thought to be administered in Guernsey.
The Jim’ll Fix It and Top of the Pops host is feared to have abused as many as 300 young people over six decades.
An avalanche of claims against him was unleashed last month by an ITV documentary about his activities.
The Jimmy Savile Charitable Trust subsequently announced plans to close and distribute its assets to other good causes.
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