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A former BBC Radio Derby presenter appeared in court yesterday charged with three counts of rape involving two women in alleged historic offences dating back to 2017. Jack Tymon, 27, of Ilkeston, Derbyshire, stood before Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court accused of raping one woman twice and raping and assaulting a second woman. The broadcaster, who worked for BBC Radio Derby as both a presenter and reporter from 2021 until earlier this year, spoke only to confirm his name, address, age and date of birth during the brief hearing. No pleas were entered during Monday's proceedings, with magistrates granting the defendant conditional bail ahead of his next appearance at Nottingham Crown Court on 13 October, when a plea and directions hearing is scheduled to take place. Rising Career at Regional Station Tymon's broadcasting career began whilst he was still studying theatre arts at the University of Derby, where he also served as president of the students' union. His early involvement with BBC Radio Derby saw him hosting regular shows during his student days, demonstrating an early commitment to local broadcasting that would define his professional trajectory. The 27-year-old built his reputation at the regional station over a four-year period, working across various programming slots and contributing to news coverage. His departure from BBC Radio Derby earlier in 2025 came before the charges were brought, though the circumstances surrounding his exit from the corporation have not been disclosed. Industry sources familiar with the station's operations confirmed Tymon had been a regular voice on BBC Radio Derby's schedule, presenting shows and filing reports for the station that serves Derbyshire and eastern Staffordshire. The station, which broadcasts on FM, AM, DAB and digital platforms from studios on St Helens Street in Derby, reaches approximately 95,000 listeners weekly according to the latest RAJAR figures. Historic Allegations Surface The alleged offences are said to have taken place in 2017, when Tymon would have been approximately 19 years old and still at university. The charges involve two separate complainants, with prosecutors alleging one woman was raped on two occasions whilst the second woman was allegedly raped and assaulted. The case has been transferred to crown court due to the serious nature of the charges. Rape cases must be heard at crown court as they exceed the sentencing powers of magistrates' courts, which can only impose custodial sentences of up to six months for a single offence. Legal experts note that historic sexual offence cases often present unique challenges for both prosecution and defence teams, particularly when allegations relate to events from several years prior. The Crown Prosecution Service's decision to proceed with charges suggests investigators believe there is sufficient evidence to meet the threshold for prosecution. BBC Maintains Silence When approached for comment, a BBC spokesperson declined to discuss the case, citing the ongoing legal proceedings. We will not be commenting due to the ongoing legal proceedings," the corporation said in a brief statement to media outlets. The BBC's position reflects standard practice for media organisations when current or former employees face criminal charges. Employment law specialists note that employers must balance their duty of care to all parties involved whilst avoiding any action that could prejudice legal proceedings. BBC Radio Derby, which began broadcasting in April 1971, has won multiple industry awards including Station of the Year at the Sony Radio Academy Awards in 2007, 2010 and 2011. The station has not announced any changes to its current programming schedule in light of the charges against its former presenter. University Connections Tymon's connection to the University of Derby extended beyond his studies in theatre arts. As a former president of the Derby University Students' Union, he held a prominent position within the student community during his time at the institution. The students' union, an independent charitable organisation serving the university's student population, runs numerous services including clubs, societies, and student media outlets. Former union presidents often maintain connections with the university community after graduation, though the union has not commented on the charges facing its former leader. Derby University's theatre arts programme, which combines practical performance work with academic study, has produced numerous graduates who have gone on to work in broadcasting, theatre, and media industries. The university has not issued any statement regarding the allegations against its former student. Legal Process Ahead The decision to grant conditional bail means Tymon will remain free whilst awaiting his crown court appearance, subject to any conditions imposed by the magistrates. Standard bail conditions in such cases may include restrictions on contacting witnesses, residing at a specified address, and surrendering travel documents. At the 13 October hearing at Nottingham Crown Court, Tymon will be expected to enter pleas to the charges. If not guilty pleas are entered, the case would proceed to trial at a date to be fixed by the court. Crown court trials for serious sexual offences typically take place several months after the initial plea hearing due to court scheduling and the need for comprehensive case preparation. The East Midlands Crown Prosecution Service, which covers Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire, will be responsible for presenting the case. The CPS East Midlands currently employs approximately 320 staff, including specialist prosecutors trained in handling sensitive sexual offence cases. Regional Broadcasting Landscape BBC Radio Derby serves as the corporation's local radio presence for Derbyshire and eastern Staffordshire, competing with commercial stations in the regional market. The station's primary audience targets listeners aged over 45, though sports coverage and weekend programming attracts a broader demographic range. Local BBC radio stations have faced budget pressures in recent years, with the corporation implementing cost-saving measures across its regional operations. Despite financial constraints, stations like BBC Radio Derby continue to provide local news, sport, and community programming that commercial competitors often cannot match. The station's coverage area includes Derby, Chesterfield, and surrounding communities, though some northern areas of Derbyshire receive BBC Radio Sheffield, whilst northwestern portions including Glossop and Chapel-en-le-Frith fall under BBC Radio Manchester's remit. Crown Court Proceedings Nottingham Crown Court, where Tymon's case will be heard next month, handles serious criminal cases from across the East Midlands region. The court building on Canal Street forms part of Nottingham's legal quarter, situated near both the magistrates' court and county court facilities. Crown court judges have extensive sentencing powers for serious offences, with rape carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Sentencing guidelines for rape offences consider numerous factors including the circumstances of the offences, harm caused to victims, and any aggravating or mitigating factors. Legal aid is automatically available for all defendants appearing at crown court on serious charges, regardless of financial circumstances, though contributions may be required from those with income or capital above specified thresholds. Any contributions paid are refundable if the defendant is acquitted. The case continues with the next hearing scheduled for 13 October at Nottingham Crown Court. Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily

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