Ex-BBC head ordered to register as sex offender
A FORMER head of BBC Wales drama has been ordered to register as a sex offender for making indecent images of children.
Karl Francis, aged 66, was arrested after allegedly contacting a woman in America to ask for sex with her daughter.
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Karl Francis
But Francis, ex-head of drama for BBC Wales, claimed he was researching a new film project.
Francis, of Llandaff, Cardiff, denied arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence and was formally found not guilty.
But Cardiff Crown Court heard he has accepted an official police caution for making indecent images of children.
Prosecutor Tim Evans said: "It would have been a very expensive case, flying witnesses to the UK from America.
"The family are satisfied the defendant has admitted wrongdoing and has been cautioned for it."
Francis is best known for his 1995 film Streetlife, which starred Rhys Ifans and actress Helen McCrory.
His other films include Morphine and Dolly Mixtures, Rebecca's Daughters, Boy Soldier and One of the Hollywood Ten.
Francis was head of BBC Wales Drama for two years in the 1990s.
Time Out magazine described him as "one of Britain's best film makers."
8 Comments
by David, Skewen
Sunday, July 05 2009, 2:56PM
“Heather, Have you got some "Dark" secret you want to share with us? Whats all this about you coming out in a cold sweat when the word black is mentioned?”
by AJ, Uplands
Friday, July 03 2009, 2:46PM
“With regard to Heather's comment about Veronica.
The words "pot", "kettle" and "black" spring to mind.
I make no apologies for using the word 'black' even though I realise it probably brings Heather out into a cold sweat!”
by Heather, Mumbles
Wednesday, July 01 2009, 5:39PM
“Nothing to say Veronica, bar for the fact that you seem a little obsessed, menopausal or maybe you just have a bad bout of PMT! Totally nuts!”
by Steve Jones, Uplands
Wednesday, July 01 2009, 5:09PM
“Why does he only have to register his head. What about the rest of his body?”
by Peter, Neath
Wednesday, July 01 2009, 3:41PM
“Interesting that the BBC have taken his side of the story. Disgraceful.”
by maddentist, in the shade
Wednesday, July 01 2009, 3:25PM
“Aah hah!!! the old excuse research.
But a bit of a give away with some of the titlles of his films tho' : Morphine and Dolly Mixtures, Rebecca's Daughters and Boy Soldier”
by dave, swansea
Wednesday, July 01 2009, 3:25PM
“"Prosecutor Tim Evans said: "It would have been a very expensive case, flying witnesses to the UK from America."
Another one let to get away with it.”
by VERONICA, SKETTY
Wednesday, July 01 2009, 3:01PM
“Hasn't Heather got anything to say over this? Veronica. Sketty”