A retired nurse who played a role in exposing the abuses of Jimmy Savile is engaged in a legal battle to remain in his NHS-owned family home of four decades. Keith Palmer, 72, faces eviction from the property near Broadmoor psychiatric hospital in Crowthorne, Berkshire, after receiving a 'notice to quit' in January 2024.
Palmer, who worked as a senior nurse at Broadmoor between 1976 and 2014, was granted a tenancy for the house on the hospital estate in November 1988. He was part of a 2014 Panorama documentary that detailed Savile's connections to the hospital, where the disgraced television presenter had unrestricted access and a dedicated office.
An NHS report following Savile's death in 2011 concluded he had sexually abused five victims during his time at Broadmoor. The report also found that Savile's fundraising efforts for the hospital were minor and that he used his accommodation there to entertain female visitors.
The West London National Health Service Trust initiated court proceedings for possession of the house after Palmer refused to vacate. The Trust's barrister, Nicholas Grundy, argued that Palmer's occupation was not recognized as a protected tenancy when he first moved in, and that he has forfeited any long-term rights due to alleged rent arrears.
Palmer disputes the NHS's claims, stating that he fell behind on rent only after the NHS unlawfully increased it. He maintains that the rent was increased from £750 to £950 per month in June 2021, leading to arrears totaling approximately £12,000. Palmer's legal representation, Martin Young, contends that his tenancy is protected under the 1977 Rent Act and that the rent increases were not properly registered or agreed upon. Young also argued that rent increases after June 2018 were not legally authorized by the Secretary of State.
Palmer's defense also includes claims that he has no obligation to pay outstanding utility bills until an issue with an overflowing septic tank is resolved. Furthermore, his legal team asserts that evicting him would violate his right to a settled family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, citing recent health issues including a minor stroke and high blood pressure.
The NHS took over management of Broadmoor and became Palmer's landlord in 2001, with the hospital previously managed by the Broadmoor Hospital Authority. The court heard that in 1991, hospital managers considered selling similar cottages to tenants under the government's 'right to buy' scheme, a plan that was ultimately shelved. Palmer expressed disappointment rather than anger when questioned about this decision.
Broadmoor Hospital has a history of holding high-profile criminals, including Ian Brady and Ronnie Kray. The High Court trial is ongoing.