Terry Duddy, the recently appointed chair of BBC Children in Need, has resigned from his role just days after taking it up due to a conviction for careless driving. The incident occurred on 21 June when Duddy's BMW collided with a cyclist as he was making a right turn.
The cyclist, a woman in her 50s, suffered serious injuries. Duddy pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless and inconsiderate driving at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court on 13 November.
He received an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, a disqualification from driving for 18 months, a fine, and was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service. Thames Valley Police highlighted that the cyclist had the right of way and that Duddy's failure to check the road properly had a life-changing impact on her.
Following the sentencing, Duddy informed Children in Need of his conviction and offered his resignation, which the board accepted, agreeing that he could not continue in the role. The charity confirmed that robust due diligence, including a criminal record check, was conducted prior to his appointment and no concerns were identified.
James Fairclough, a trustee since 2021, has been appointed as the new chair with immediate effect.
