‘Britain’s kindest plumber’ complains to Ofcom over BBC ‘witch hunt’
A tradesman known as “Britain’s kindest plumber” has complained to Ofcom over a BBC investigation that he claims is part of a “witch hunt” against him.
James Anderson, 56, has accused “online trolls” and the BBC of trying to shut down his charitable company, which has raised £2 million to help fund home repairs for the sick and elderly.
The broadcaster reported on Thursday that Depher CIC, the social enterprise he founded, used images of vulnerable people without their consent and faked stories about acts of kindness.
He was also accused by the broadcaster of spending company money on a house and car, which he has denied, and of writing a post about saving the life of a suicidal elderly woman who had died years earlier.
Mr Anderson, a plumber from Burnley, said he apologised for mistakes such as “using the same photos without putting dates on” and “not safeguarding individuals correctly”.
But he said he has complained to the communications regulator Ofcom over the BBC investigation, claiming online trolls sent “doctored” images to the broadcaster.
Mr Anderson claimed the screenshot of a social media post used in the BBC article, which shows him sitting next to an elderly woman with an emoji over her face and words suggesting he prevented her from taking her life, had been “constructed” by individuals online.
“I do believe I am being set up in a witch hunt by these individuals from Twitter and Facebook to send over doctored pictures to the BBC,” he claimed.
‘Totally wrong’
He added: “I’ve sent a complaint to Ofcom and I’m waiting for them to come back to me because I’m going to go all the way with this because that is totally wrong.”
A BBC spokesman said: “The investigation is made in line with the highest editorial standards and is firmly in the public interest.
“The allegations have been thoroughly and independently investigated, and we include interviews with a range of people. Mr Anderson’s position, including his apologies, is referenced throughout.”
Ofcom said it could not comment on individual cases of this kind, whether or not a complaint had been received.
Mr Anderson has previously won a Pride of Britain award and reportedly once received a donation from Hugh Grant.
Depher CIC is under investigation by the Fundraising Regulator to determine whether it breached regulations, while the Information Commissioner’s Office said it has received four complaints which are under review.
On Friday, the British Citizen Award rescinded an accolade it awarded to Mr Anderson, saying his actions “do not align with our values”, which Mr Anderson said was “up to them” and “their choice”.
