Children in Need chair resigns after crash conviction

The chair of BBC Children in Need has resigned just days into the role after he was convicted of careless driving for crashing into a cyclist.

Terence Duddy’s BMW knocked a woman off her bike as he turned right on High Street, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, on 21 June.

The 69-year-old admitted causing serious injury by careless and inconsiderate driving at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on 13 November and was given an eight-month sentence, suspended for 18 months.

BBC Children in Need confirmed Duddy, who was appointed as chair on 21 October, had resigned, saying “he could not continue in this role”.

The court also disqualified Duddy from driving or obtaining a licence for 18 months, fined him £85 costs plus £175 victim surcharge.

He will also have to carry out 200 hours of community service in the next 12 months.

Thames Valley Police posted details and footage of the crash with the woman, who was in her 50s, to its Facebook page.

It added: “The cyclist had right of way and a moment of carelessness from the driver, by not properly checking the road was clear to cross, has had a life changing impact on the cyclist.”

Children in Need issued a statement following the sentencing.

It stated: “On Tuesday 18 November, our new chair Terry Duddy informed us that he had been convicted last week of causing serious injury through careless driving.

“In light of this he offered his resignation, which the board accepted, agreeing he could not continue in this role.”