A recent investigation by The Times and BBC Panorama into billionaire football boss David Sullivan, who resigned as West Ham chair amid historical sexual assault allegations from seven former models, prompted a former Birmingham Mail editor to recall a similar encounter in 2008. Steve Dyson, a Dispatch subscriber and ex-editor of the Birmingham Mail, shared his experience confronting Sullivan about allegations from a young actress.
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Background on Sullivan
David Sullivan, 77, made his fortune in the adult industry in the 1970s and launched the Sunday Sport in 1986. He bought a stake in Birmingham City FC in 1993, hiring Karren Brady, then 23, as managing director. She later followed him to West Ham, serving as vice chair until April 2024. Sullivan denies all allegations, claiming the media sensationalised the claims.
Baroness Brady has faced scrutiny for continuing to work with Sullivan despite his 2021 FA ban from contacting West Ham women's and youth teams over safeguarding concerns. Her lawyers cite the presumption of innocence and deny knowledge of the recent allegations.
Steve Dyson's Account
Steve Dyson, editor of the Birmingham Mail from 2005 to 2009, recalled a 2008 incident when a young actress accused Sullivan of sexual assault at his Essex mansion. At around 8am on 2 July 2008, the Mail received a tip-off about Sullivan's arrest. Essex Police confirmed the arrest of a 59-year-old man but did not name Sullivan. Dyson contacted Karren Brady, who put him in touch with Sullivan.
Sullivan's initial response was surprisingly candid. Dyson remembers him saying the alleged victim "was asking for it" or similar words. Dyson found the phrase too uncouth to print but allowed Sullivan to paraphrase. Sullivan insisted the arrest would come to nothing. The story ran on the Mail's front page, but the allegations were later dropped.
Dyson also recalled two other encounters with Sullivan, illustrating the football boss's combative nature. Despite the denials, Dyson's account sheds light on Sullivan's past behaviour.
