'I am not predatory.. I'm cuddly': Dave Lee Travis slams claims he's a sexual predator

The former Radio 1 DJ said he would never treat anybody as if they were less than him, and said claims he was a sexual predator were 'nonsensical'

Dave Lee Travis has told a jury that claims he was a sexual predator were "nonsensical" - but said he did have "a cuddly nature".

Travis, who is on trial at Southwark Crown Court accused of indecently assaulting 10 women and sexually assaulting another, admitted he was "tactile".

But added: "I don't do that, if I like someone I will hug them and give them a kiss because the whole world needs that.

"Perhaps hugging is something which can be misconstrued by some people or if people are looking for an excuse they can say 'he touched us'. I did hug a lot girls.

"I do not have a predatory nature with women, I have a cuddly nature.

"Maybe that's what this is all about, but I am not predatory.

"If I really like somebody I will put my arm around them and I might give them a peck on the cheek, I even do that with men, to make them feel comfortable and welcome to the place.

"But nowadays you are not allowed to do that, put your arms around people and hug them."

He said that "air kisses" were part of showbusiness, but denied that he considered it his right to touch people because he was famous or even that he was that big a star

Travis said: "There are no unimportant people.

"I would never, never treat anybody as if they were under me or less than me.

"In my career I have met princesses, I have met the Queen, I have met the dustman - they are all the same to me. I just like people."

The 68-year-old, from Buckinghamshire, denies 13 indecent assaults and one sexual assault, dating back to 1976 and the height of his fame.

The trial continues.


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