Sir Cliff’s strong-arming claim over reporter

A barrister for Sir Cliff Richard has accused a BBC reporter of “strong-arming” South Yorkshire Police into cooperating after the singer was accused of a historic child sex assault.

The 76-year-old singer, pictured, says officers cooperated after reporter Dan Johnson “threatened” to broadcast a story. BBC editors deny the allegation. Sir Cliff has sued the BBC – and South Yorkshire Police – over reports naming him as a suspected sex offender.

He says his privacy was invaded and he wants “’very substantial” damages.

BBC bosses say they will defend themselves vigorously.

A preliminary hearing was held at the High Court in London yesterday.

Justin Rushbrooke QC told Mr Justice Mann that Mr Johnson was able “in effect to strongarm” South Yorkshire Police into cooperating

Mr Justice Mann has heard that in late 2013 a man told Metropolitan Police officers he had been sexually assaulted by Sir Cliff at a public event at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane football stadium as a child in 1985.

Metropolitan Police officers passed the allegation to South Yorkshire Police.

Sir Cliff denied the allegation “as soon as it was brought to his attention” and, in June 2016, prosecutors said he would face no charges.

He has alleged the BBC made an agreement with South Yorkshire Police and says South Yorkshire Police contravened guidance on “relationships with the media”.

A BBC spokeswoman said in December “at every stage” the BBC had reported Sir Cliff’s “full denial of the allegations”.

In June, South Yorkshire Police apologised “wholeheartedly for the additional anxiety caused” to Sir Cliff by the force’s “initial handling of the media interest” in its investigation.