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January 14, 2010updated 15 Jan 2010 3:00pm

BBC journalist sacked for representing Hells Angels

By admin

A BBC journalist has been sacked for a conflict of interest after it was discovered he had acted as a spokesman for the Hell’s Angels, reports the Daily Mail and others.

Steve Jones, a BBC television and radio news correspondent for mid-Wales, used his code-name ‘Echo’ to publicly criticise the police’s handling of a bikers’ festival while on leave from the corporation.

Jones had worked at the BBC for over 20 years, and colleagues recognised his distinctive voice after interviews on Radio 4 and Radio 5 Live defending the Angels brotherhood.

The BBC’s code of conduct says journalists must disclose their interests and get permission before representing outside organisations.

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