Two sacked for Dando `snooping'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.TWO BANK staff were sacked yesterday for illegally accessing private financial details relating to the murdered television presenter Jill Dando.
The staff were dismissed after a disciplinary hearing called by their employees, Lloyds TSB, which said their behaviour amounted to gross misconduct. A third employee has been suspended while the bank carries out further inquiries.
The sackings came after a credit agency used by Lloyds TSB informed the bank that a number of credit checks had been made into the finances of Ms Dando, who was fatally shot on the doorstep of her home in Fulham, west London, on 26 April.
The staff would have had access to details of Ms Dando's previous homes as well as her income and any debts or loans she may have had. A company spokeswoman said that while some members of staff would have legitimate reasons for making such searches, it was easy to trace which staff had accessed the database.
The two staff members worked for Lloyds UDT - the Edinburgh-based motor finance arm of the bank - which employs 75 staff.
It is understood that at the hearing in Edinburgh, the two staff members gave no explanation for their behaviour, which was uncovered by Lloyds' own investigators. It is understood no third party had been involved and they were not paid for the information.
"All staff know it is gross misconduct to make unauthorised searches or access unauthorised data," said the spokeswoman.
"We very much regret any distress caused to the friends and family of Ms Dando. The investigation is ongoing."
In a separate development, Ms Dando's body was yesterday released for burial by the West London coroner, Dr John Burton, following discussions with Detective Chief Inspector Hamish Campbell, the police officer heading the murder inquiry.
It is understood there will now be a private funeral service in Weston- super-Mare, the town where she grew up and first entered journalism.
It is not known whether the presenter - known for her appearances on the Holiday programme and Crimewatch - will be buried or cremated.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments