Radio Four’s Today programme in breach of broadcasting code after crime writer Lynda La Plante used the word ‘retard’

Prime Suspect creator was discussing article accusing her of saying word But she went on to use it twice more before presenter changed subject

By Paul Revoir

PUBLISHED: 10:55 EST, 17 June 2013 | UPDATED: 11:45 EST, 17 June 2013

Radio 4s flagship news show Today has been censured by Ofcom for breaching broadcasting rules after crime writer Lynda La Plante used the word retard on the programme.

During a live interview Miss La Plante, best known for creating TV series Prime Suspect, uttered the offensive word three times when appearing to discuss her induction into the Forensic Science Society.

Ofcom said that it considered the language had the potential to cause offence to the audience and that on the second and third occasions it was used it could have caused considerable and gratuitous offence.

Offensive word: Crime writer Lynda La Plante (right) used the word 'retard' during an interview with Today presenter Sarah Montague (left)

The regulator said Miss La Plante, 70, had appeared not to recognise the possibility that the word may be offensive to listeners and did not apologise.

It added that neither did the presenter, Sarah Montague, explicitly challenge the guests use of the word when it was repeated, instead opting to try to change the subject.

When asked if she got a lot of people writing to her questioning her about her work, Miss La Plante said: Not questioning. I get a tremendous amount of fans. I mean, I have a lot of questions that Id like to ask myself, but the misquoting of me is a consistent and really irritating fact.

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Radio Four's Today programme in breach of broadcasting code after crime writer Lynda La Plante used the word 'retard'

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