The family of Jimmy Savile has opted to remove a lavish tombstone from his grave in the North East of England after it emerged that it seems very likely that he was a sexual predator.

Savile, who died last year aged 84, was one of Britain’s best-known TV personalities. He presented Top of the Pops and also presented Jim’ll Fix It, a programme where children with illnesses or tough upbringings would see their dreams come true.

Police estimate that Savile could have abused more than 25 girls over a 40-year period. So far, the police have received eight allegations against Savile, including two of rape and six of indecent assault, primarily against girls aged between 13 and 16.

Savile’s family asked to remove the gravestone to “protect the dignity and sanctity” of the cemetery in Scarborough.

Looking back, it was easy to see. Savile’s programmes always featured young girls most of the time, and while he masqueraded as a ‘kind uncle’ figure, the truth seems to have been much more sinister. Anyone who has seen footage of his demeanour on television can look back on it and recognise the signs of a predator. The way he spoke to children, the way he looked at them and of course they way he touched them, even on screen.

Sadly, Savile did not see justice being made. He died before his victims had the courage to speak up and it just makes us wonder how many children around the world have to go through such ordeals.

It also makes people wonder just how many predators make it through old age and die, without ever being uncovered. Locally, we saw just how long it took for the boys from St Joseph Home in Santa Venera to come forward and speak of the abuse they faced from their carers, two priests. One even managed to get away with raping a boy because there was a mistake in the charge sheet. Were it not for their courage in coming forward, the two priests, who were found guilty of the crimes, would never have been brought to justice.

It also makes us wonder just how many sexual predators there are out there, preying on children under the guise of do-gooders. Of course, such findings always shake our trust in anyone who has a vocation to work with children.

There are hundreds of volunteers, ranging from sports coaches to scout masters, to carers and others who dedicate their time to care for children who are less fortunate than those born into stable families. But sadly, when a case like this comes to the surface, it shakes our trust to the core.