The Time is up

In astrology, it is said that bad times may follow good times. Good times keep you at the top then comes the downfall. In Britain some top artistes, TV presenters, newspaper editors and politicians are facing the same fate: 'The downfall'.

The main story started a few months ago related to a deceased television personnel called Jimmy Saville. He was an influential person who ran 'Top of the pops' and 'Jim will fix it' on BBC TV. After his death in 2011 at 84, hundreds of women came forward accusing him of sexually abusing them during 1970s and 80s. Within weeks over 450 victims of Saville accused the Police department for ignoring their complaints when he was still alive. It was said that the connections and influence Saville had, saved him from facing court. The Police were severely criticised by the media for Savill's matter.

Then started the unwanted. The Scotland Yard set up an operation called Yewtree to investigate similar past incidents. Many who were underage teens in 1960s, 70s and 80s came out accusing various prominent figures in media and politics.

Rolf Harris, the 83-year-old Australian-born entertainer, made a CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 2006 and an Officer of the Order of Australia in the Queen's birthday honours list last year, was one of the first to be arrested in London.

He is a person having recognition for his service to performing and visual arts, charitable organisations and international relations through the promotion of Australian culture. He also painted an official portrait of the Queen for her 80th birthday. His wife said Harris has started painting again since he was accused last year. No charges are brought against him yet. Meanwhile, a second accuser from Australia has come forward which is under investigation.

The Police have made 12 more high profile arrests. Top comedians Jim Davidson, Freddie Starr, Jimmy Tarbuck and UK's number one publicist Max Clifford, BBC TV presenter Stuart Hall, BBC radio presenter Dave Lee Travis, singer Garry Glitter, ex-Sun newspaper boss Eddie Shah are among them. Tarbuck, 73, awarded an OBE by the Queen in 1994, was accused of sexually assaulting an underage boy. He spent over 50 years in the television industry.

Max Clifford was charged with 11 historic counts of indecent assault against teenage girls. The 70-year-old is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 28. Although he has high ranking media friends, they were not there to help him this time. The news was all over the electronic and print media.

Once an influential newspaper editor, 69-year-old Eddie Shah was charged for paying a 14-year-old gird to have sex and with six counts including raping a girl under the age of 16. His case is heard at the Central Criminal Court in Old Bailey.

Veteran BBC broadcaster Stuart Hall has admitted indecently assaulting 13 girls as young as nine-years-old. The Crown Prosecution Service said he was an 'opportunistic predator' and almost all the victims provided 'strikingly similar accounts'. Hall has a room set aside at the BBC where he could entertain 'lady friends' while waiting to appear on screen, a former collegue said. Hall, 83, admitted 14 charges of indecent assault. The offences took place between 1967 and 1985. Sentencing will take place on June 17. The BBC said it would not be featuring Hall again in its programmes. The corporation added: "The BBC is appalled by the disgraceful actions of Stuart Hall and we would like to express our sympathy to his victims. We will continue to work with the Police to assist them in this and any other enquiries they are making."

The investigation even turned to the House of Commons. Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans was arrested on suspicion of raping a man and sexually assaulting another. The incident took place a few years ago. Evans denied the allegations and no charges were filed against him. Two days ago Police raided his office at the Parliament looking for evidence.

A leading lawyer proposed a statuary limitation for criminal prosecutions and to bring down the age of consent to 13. She urged an end to the 'witch hunt' against celebrities accused of sex crimes. Many people and organisations criticised her views as 'beggars belief'. But the law will not forgive acts of criminal nature no matter how long ago they was committed. Recently, a Buddhist priest based in London was convicted of raping an underage girl 35 years ago. Currently, he is serving a prison sentence.

It looks like some media celebrities praised as heroes in the 60s and 70s are having sleepless nights.