Cliff case is told of ‘paedos’ email by BBC man

A BBC reporter yesterday admitted he used the term “celebrity paedos” in an email to colleagues as “shorthand” for the story about Sir Cliff Richard.

Giving evidence at the High Court in the singer’s privacy case, Dan Johnson said: “That was an email that was sent just to close colleagues referring to an issue that one of those colleagues knew about, so I was trying to refer to that issue without naming the person involved.

“It is just a shorthand reference... the story that I had heard about him is what I have alluded to there.”

Mr Johnson said the term did not reflect his “overall approach” to the story.

Conduct

He added: “In all my external dealings on the story and the way that I covered it, I have been professional and fair. What matters is what is said publicly and how you conduct yourself with other people externally.”

During cross-examination by Sir Cliff ’s barrister Justin Rushbrooke QC, Mr Johnson said: “I didn’t know at that time whether Sir Cliff was guilty or innocent, I didn’t know whether the complainant who had come forward was telling the truth or not, I only had the facts of the search, the warrant and the investigation.”

Sir Cliff is taking legal action over BBC coverage of a 2014 police search after a sex assault allegation. The star was never arrested or charged with any offence.

The case continues.