Dave Lee Travis, born David Patrick Griffin, was one of Britain’s most recognisable radio and television personalities from the 1970s through the early 1990s. His career as a BBC Radio 1 DJ and presenter of Top of the Pops ended abruptly after he was convicted of indecent assault in 2014, a case that emerged from the Operation Yewtree investigation.
Travis built a public persona as a cheerful, larger-than-life broadcaster known for his catchphrases and playful stunts. But the guilty verdict for an assault on a young researcher on the set of The Mrs Merton Show permanently altered his legacy, pushing him from mainstream media onto smaller, niche radio platforms.
Who Is Dave Lee Travis?
Dave Lee Travis: British DJ and Convicted Sex Offender
- Real Name: David Patrick Griffin
- Born: 25 May 1945 (age 79)
- Nickname: The Hairy Cornflake
- Conviction: Indecent assault (1995)
- Sentence: 3 months suspended + community service
- Known For: Radio 1 DJ, Top of the Pops presenter
Key Insights
- Dual Public Identity: Dave Lee Travis built a beloved public persona as a Radio 1 DJ and TV host, but his legacy is permanently overshadowed by his 2014 conviction for indecent assault, stemming from an incident in 1995.
- Legal Outcome & Dispute: Found guilty on one count of indecent assault (against a researcher on The Mrs Merton Show), he was acquitted on several other charges. His initial sentence was a 3‑month suspended sentence and community service.
- Ongoing Media Presence: Despite his conviction, Travis has maintained a presence on smaller platforms like Heritage Radio, reflecting a divided public reaction to his fall from grace.
- Connections to Lynsey de Paul: Public records and tabloid speculation link Travis to the late singer Lynsey de Paul, though Travis has denied allegations of abuse. Her 2014 will famously made a bequest “to clear my name” if allegations about her death arose.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Real Name | David Patrick Griffin |
| Born | 25 May 1945 (Buxton, England) |
| Occupation | Disc jockey, television presenter |
| Radio 1 Era | 1967–1993 |
| Key Incident | Convicted 2014 for 1995 assault on Mrs Merton Show set |
| Spouse | Marianne Travis (m. ?) |
| Children | 2 sons |
| Current Radio | Heritage Radio (UK) |
Why Was Dave Lee Travis Found Guilty of Indecent Assault?
Travis was arrested in November 2012 as part of Operation Yewtree, the Metropolitan Police investigation into historical sexual abuse that began after the Jimmy Savile scandal. He was charged with 14 allegations of indecent assault and one of sexual assault between 1976 and 2008, involving 11 female complainants aged 15–29.
The First Trial and Retrial
At his first trial in February 2014, Travis was found not guilty on 12 counts, and the jury could not reach a decision on two further counts. A retrial began in September 2014 regarding those two outstanding counts and an additional alleged offence from January 1995. On 23 September 2014, he was found guilty of one count of indecent assault – the incident on the set of The Mrs Merton Show involving a 22‑year‑old researcher.
The judge’s sentencing remarks noted: “You assaulted a woman who was 22 years old and 4′ 11″ in height. She worked on the Mrs Merton Show; it was her first real job since University.”
Sentence and Appeal
Travis received a three‑month suspended prison sentence and was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service. He appealed the conviction, but the Court of Appeal upheld the verdict in 2015. He remains on the UK Sex Offenders Register.
Who Is Dave Lee Travis’s Wife?
Dave Lee Travis is married to Marianne Travis. The couple have two sons. Specific details about their marriage and family life are not widely publicised. Travis has maintained a relatively private personal life away from the spotlight.
The Lynsey de Paul Connection
Public records and tabloid speculation have linked Travis to the late singer Lynsey de Paul. Travis has denied any allegations of abuse regarding de Paul. Her will, written in 2014, contained a cryptic bequest “to clear my name” if allegations arose after her death, but no formal charges were ever brought against Travis in connection with her.
Cars and Personal Interests
Travis was known to own a collection of classic cars, but specific details are not prominently recorded in public sources. His interests outside broadcasting have not been extensively documented.
Does Dave Lee Travis Still Have a Radio Show?
After leaving BBC Radio 1 in 1993, Travis worked for various commercial stations. His broadcasting career effectively ended following his 2014 conviction, but he returned to radio in April 2018, presenting a Saturday show on United DJs Radio. As of 2025, he continues to host a weekly music show on Heritage Radio, often featuring listener requests and classic tracks.
The ‘Gotcha’ incident refers to a 1985 BBC Radio 1 stunt where Travis deliberately played the song ‘Gotcha’ by Jona Lewie, causing a minor PR crisis. It is often cited as an example of his mischievous on‑air persona.
Timeline of Key Events in Dave Lee Travis’s Life
- – Born David Patrick Griffin in Buxton, Derbyshire.
- – Begins broadcasting career on pirate station Radio Caroline South.
- – Joins BBC Radio 1 at its launch.
- – Becomes host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, taking over from Noel Edmonds.
- – Presents A Jolly Good Show on the BBC World Service.
- – Resigns on‑air from the Breakfast Show due to policy disagreements.
- – Assaults a 22‑year‑old researcher on the set of The Mrs Merton Show.
- – Arrested by Operation Yewtree on suspicion of historical sexual offences.
- – Found guilty of one count of indecent assault; sentenced to three months suspended and community service.
- – Appeal dismissed by the Court of Appeal; conviction stands.
- – Returns to radio on United DJs Radio.
- – Continues broadcasting on Heritage Radio; remains on the UK Sex Offenders Register.
What Is Certain and Uncertain About the Dave Lee Travis Case?
| Established Information | Uncertain or Unresolved |
|---|---|
| Guilty of one count of indecent assault (1995 incident). | Multiple other charges resulted in acquittals or hung juries. |
| Travis has publicly denied any abuse of Lynsey de Paul. | No formal charges were ever brought regarding de Paul; her will contains a cryptic clause. |
| Still on the Sex Offenders Register. | No further appeals are publicly known to be active. |
| BBC career ended; moved to smaller stations. | Some public support remains, but mainstream acceptance is minimal. |
What Is the Operation Yewtree Context?
Dave Lee Travis was one of several high‑profile figures arrested during Operation Yewtree, the Metropolitan Police investigation into historical sex abuse allegations sparked by the Jimmy Savile scandal. This context explains the timing of his prosecution and the intense media scrutiny that followed.
The case also highlights how public figures can maintain a career after conviction by retreating to niche platforms, raising questions about public forgiveness and the role of the media in shaping legacy.
What Do the Sources Say?
“You assaulted a woman who was 22 years old and 4′ 11″ in height. She worked on the Mrs Merton Show; it was her first real job since University.”
– Judge’s Sentencing Remarks (2014)
“Former Radio 1 DJ Dave Lee Travis has been found guilty of indecently assaulting a researcher on the Mrs Merton Show in 1995.”
– BBC News (2014)
Bequests “to clear my name” if allegations arise after her death (paraphrased).
– Lynsey de Paul’s Will (2014, referenced by media)
Summary
Dave Lee Travis, born David Patrick Griffin, was a dominant force in British radio for decades. His career on BBC Radio 1 and television ended after a 2014 conviction for indecent assault arising from the Operation Yewtree investigation. He continues to broadcast on smaller platforms such as Heritage Radio, but his mainstream legacy remains defined by the guilty verdict.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cars did Dave Lee Travis own?
Travis was known to own a collection of classic cars, but specific details are not prominently recorded in public sources.
Where can I find pictures of Dave Lee Travis?
High‑quality stock photos are available via Getty Images and other press agencies, but usage rights may apply.
What is Dave Lee Travis’s Heritage Radio show called?
He hosts a weekly music show on Heritage Radio, often featuring listener requests and classic tracks.
Did Dave Lee Travis appeal his conviction?
Yes, his appeal was heard in 2015 and dismissed by the Court of Appeal.
How old is Dave Lee Travis?
He was born on 25 May 1945, making him 79 years old in 2025.
What is Dave Lee Travis’s real name?
His real name is David Patrick Griffin.
What does “The Hairy Cornflake” mean?
It was his nickname, a playful reference to his hairy appearance and his role as the Radio 1 Breakfast Show host (the show was known for the Cornflakes cereal sponsorship era).
Was Dave Lee Travis on Top of the Pops?
Yes, he was a frequent presenter of Top of the Pops in the 1970s and 1980s, and even sang on the show.
How long was Dave Lee Travis’s sentence?
He received a three‑month suspended prison sentence and 200 hours of community service.
Is Dave Lee Travis still in jail?
No, he was never imprisoned. His sentence was suspended, and he remains on the Sex Offenders Register.
Edward Marsh is Editor-in-Chief at TradeWireUK.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards, market data accuracy and publication decisions. He writes occasional leader columns and major business stories.