BBC cameraman thrown out of coronation rehearsals was ‘in the wrong place at the wrong time’
THE BBC cameraman bundled out of a Coronation rehearsal claimed yesterday he was “in the wrong place at the wrong time”.
Neil Paton was accused of secretly trying to film King Charles during a run-through of his sacred anointing.
He was escorted out of the Abbey by security chiefs after leaving his accredited post, and banned from the Coronation.
He was said to have been “lurking” near screens behind which Charles would have holy oil rubbed on to his chest.
It was alleged Mr Paton hoped to sell footage to foreign media.
The married dad of one, off duty since, did not come to the door of his West London home when The Sun approached him yesterday.
But he told BBC execs he had left his position to get some more camera kit and “inadvertently” found himself near the anointing screen.
He denied trying to film on his phone and the BBC told us it believed him.
Mr Paton has had a distinguished BBC career.
But he has been outspoken on social media, hitting out at Beeb political broadcasters and the Tories, while praising Labour.
BBC spokesperson said: “While we do not comment on individuals, most of what has been reported about this story is completely incorrect.”