The web of fear woven by the former Harrods boss shows that men with money and power continue to pose a problem

Money and power have enabled men throughout time to get away with the most appalling abuse and keep it quiet. The sheer number of allegations of sexual assault and rape that women have made in the past week against the late former owner of Harrods, Mohamed Al Fayed, (lawyers representing 37 alleged victims of sexual abuse spoke at a press conference on Friday) paint a picture of institutional intimidation and cover-up that extends well beyond the appalling behaviour of which the billionaire has been accused.

It ensured women were scared to speak about what allegedly happened to them not only while he was alive and able to face justice, but even after his death. It is only thanks to a painstaking BBC investigation that these multiple accounts have been brought to light. It is very likely that there are yet more cases.