Jeremy Clarkson falls victim to data fraud after 'storm in teacup' comments

At the weekend, the 'Top Gear' host admitted that a reader had used his bank details to set up a £500 direct debit to the British Diabetic Association, which does not require a signature.

Admitting that he had egg on his face, Clarkson wrote in the Sunday Times: "Back in November, the Government lost two computer discs containing half the population's bank details.

"Everyone worked themselves into a right old lather about the mistake but I argued we should all calm down because the details in question are to be found on every cheque we hand out every day to every Tom, Dick and cash and carry. To hammer the point home I even printed my own bank account number and sort code.

"And guess what? I opened my bank statement this morning to find out that someone has set up a direct debit which automatically takes £500 from my account."

At the same time as Clarkson admitted his mistake, a petition has been signed by more than 30,000 people saying they would like him to be prime minister.

His approach to law and order may prove somewhat controversial, however. In his Sunday Times article, Clarkson said that the people responsible for losing the data should have "cocktail sticks [put] in their eyes until they beg for mercy".