Hounding of Sir Cliff

IN today’s Mail, Sir Cliff Richard sets out in harrowing detail how he lived for nearly two years under the ‘dark storm’ of police investigation for child abuse.

His health suffered immeasurable damage, from sleepless nights to, eventually, near total physical collapse. He feared he would suffer a heart attack or stroke, or even die.

Of course, as criminal complaints were made, an investigation was inevitable (although there is more than a strong suspicion that, as he put it, he was hung out like ‘live bait’ to attract more accusers to come forward).

But what was completely inexcusable was the abhorrent trial by TV, actively encouraged by both South Yorkshire Police and the BBC, which sent a helicopter to film the raid on Sir Cliff’s home.

The police have at least apologised, unlike the Corporation, which refuses to say sorry for what Sir Cliff describes as its ‘shameful’ conduct.

Meanwhile, his intense relief at finally clearing his name is tainted because the Crown Prosecution Service says only that there is ‘insufficient evidence’.

Surely he is now entitled to a full, unqualified proclamation of innocence?