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The Summary Dismissal of Scott Mills looks rather sad.

Here are the facts we do know:-

1. Mr Mills was questioned by the Police in 2018 in relation to "historical sexual offences". No action was taken, and Mr Mills was notified of this in 2019

2. The possible "offences" related to the period between 1997 and 2000, and involved a "teenager"

3. Mr Mills was clearly suspended by his employer on 24/3 or 25/3, and summarily dismissed on 27/3 or 28/3.

Let's fill in some if those gaps, because the Press (and, in this case, the BBC) won't let the facts get in the way of a good story:-

4. When the Police refer to "historical" sexual offences, this is what they mean. It means that the alleged offence was once illegal, and the Law has changed so that it no longer is illegal

5. The age of consent for "straight" relationships has been 16 for a very long time. But the age of consent for gay men (not gay women) was 21 until 1994, and 18 until (you've guessed it) 2001

6. So the evidence appears to be this. 8 years ago, a Man was questioned about what he may, or may not, have done with a man aged between 16 and 18. Between 26 and 29 years ago. And, for whatever reason, the Police did not proceed with criminal charges

7. There is no evidence that Mt Mills sought to hide this. Or, indeed, that the BBC (and others) didn't know all this fine well.

So-what changed in 2026? Simple. The Press got hold of this story. And the BBC-mindful of the terrible publicity concerning other employees-panicked. That, or decided seeking the moral high ground was better than looking after its employees.

The 1 bit that annoys me (apart from the obvious) is this. The BBC has (quite rightly) said they cannot comment on this. And yet feels able to publicly demand a comment from their former employee in the "news". Even on the R2 programme he fromted a week ago. Which, in my experience, is going to go down spectacularly badly if this goes to an Employment Tribunal.

Which would provide lots of Press stories. And a big bill for the taxpayer.

Only just spotted the news about Tom, so am relieved that it was a 2 minute wait for the update where he'd replied directly, rather than the original one of several days.

Hope the recovery continues, Tom, and that you're back to full health and on the golf course again soon.

Yeah, me too.

Don't be doing that to me Tom!! Glad you're back on your feet, take care of yourself!!

Nadia Comaneci, Montreal 1976, aged 14, she was the first gymnast to be awarded a perfect score of 10.0 at the Olympic Games.

Torvill & Dean, 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics: Won gold with a groundbreaking, artistic "Bolero" performance, securing perfect
 scores from every judge.

Everyone glued to the TV screens.

Nadia Comaneci, Montreal 1976, aged 14, she was the first gymnast to be awarded a perfect score of 10.0 at the Olympic Games.

Torvill & Dean, 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics: Won gold with a groundbreaking, artistic "Bolero" performance, securing perfect
 scores from every judge.

Jimmy Saville, and I suppose  in the same genre, Gary Glitter, Rolf Harris, Stuart Hall, and Max Clifford.

Ian Watkins

Thanks for your replies gents.

Another factor in your whs is that if it's based on 3 scores they knock 2 off it. You have to submit at least 7 scores for it to be based entirely on your submissions.

A big determining factor is the length of the course Kev.

The 21.5 is your handicap index on the WHS.

That is then multiplied or somesuch by the slope-rating which is different on every course and on yours it equates to 18.

21.5 on my course off the white tees comes out at 25. So it basically depends on the slope-rating/difficulty of the course.

Yes Ralph my handicap is on WHS. I get that the hole19  app automatically calculates the slope against my handicap. But as I acquired my handicap at the course  it seems like I'm being penalised as I didn't actually achieve a handicap of 18 when providing my 3 cards.

Over Winter the greenstaff have installed new bunkers, increased the height of some existing bunkers, added a pond, put in a few new tees and are going to narrow some fairways. All of this is being done to adjust the slope rating.

The 21.5 is your handicap index on the WHS.

That is then multiplied or somesuch by the slope-rating which is different on every course and on yours it equates to 18.

21.5 on my course off the white tees comes out at 25. So it basically depends on the slope-rating/difficulty of the course.