BBC reporter sacked for Hells Angels role
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Your support makes all the difference.A BBC reporter has been sacked after he acted as a spokesman for the Hells Angels.
Steve Jones, who was the BBC's Mid-Wales correspondent, also represented a festival for bikers called the Bulldog Bash, using the alias "Echo".
Mr Jones, using his assumed name, criticised the police presence at the festival in interviews with the BBC.
The corporation launched an inquiry when his voice was recognised.
In a video interview with the Birmingham Mail newspaper at the time, Mr Jones criticised the police, saying: "We think it is a completely over the top reaction.
"We accept the police have a responsibility for law and order, public safety etc, but we police the site, there are never any problems on the site.
"They have to look after the outside, and in the past they've had a couple of dozen police officers. Last year and this year they seem to think there's a necessity to have hundreds."
Last summer Warwickshire Police wanted the event, held at Long Marston near Stratford-upon-Avon, to be banned.
The main concern was the rivalry between the Hells Angels and the American Outlaws Association.
In 2007 Gerry Tobin, a Hells Angel, was shot dead on the M40 as he rode home from the Bulldog Bash.
Seven members of the Outlaws were later convicted of murder.
The BBC reportedly informed Mr Jones of a conflict of interest - under BBC employment rules, journalists are told to disclose their outside interests and get permission before representing any other organisation.
A BBC Wales spokesman said: "We can confirm that Steve Jones no longer works for BBC Cymru Wales. We do not discuss individual employment matters."
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