Mohamed Al Fayed's monstrous crimes show we are still failing the victims

It is a familiar story: an abuse of power by someone who believes they can act without consequence and who can depend on an institutional cover-up, and it is still failing the victims

Had there been justice, Mohamed Al Fayed might have ended his life in jail. Only now, thanks to the bravery of his victims, has the full of extent of the late tycoon’s monstrous behaviour come to light.

Dozens of women raped or assaulted by the former Harrods boss were then threatened and bullied to stop them speaking out. According to the victims’ lawyers, the upmarket store knew of the abuse but failed to protect staff.

The shocking story has become depressingly all too familiar – abuse of power by someone who believes they can act with impunity followed by the institutional cover-up.

The revelations are also a reminder of how the justice system continues to fail victims of sexual assault. Since 2016 reported rapes have risen 67% but only 3.2% have resulted in a prosecution.

While it is too late to put Al Fayed in the dock, everything must be done to make it easier for women to report abuse.

And when they do it’s vital the legal system ensures they get the justice they deserve.

Dodgy donors

Nigel Farage has always been a political snake-oil salesman.

So it is not a surprise so many donations to his Reform Party are from people or companies linked to tax havens.

The party wraps itself in the Union Jack but there is nothing patriotic about using off-shore accounts to minimise your tax bill.

When the super-rich refuse to pay their
fair share of tax it only means the rest of us have to pay more. That includes Mr Farage’s constituents in Clacton.

If the Reform leader genuinely cares about this country he would refuse any money from donors registered overseas for tax purposes.

Video rewind

Like vinyl records, video rentals are making a comeback.

It may be the age of streaming but traditional forms of entertainment have it taped.