Sex offences:

Review called for

The collapse of the case against The Tremeloes band members has added another clarion call to the chorus of voices demanding precharge anonymity for defendants in sex offence cases.

In recent years a number of high-profile individuals have been named in connection with historical sex offences and then never charged.

Just last month, singer Sir Cliff Richard joined calls for a review of police procedures after his Berkshire home was raided.

His comments were echoed by MrWestwood’s legal team, who said their client’s “good name and reputation has been tarnished by being dragged through the press and social media”.

In a statement, Janes Solicitors questioned how it was fair that his identity had been made public before trial but the complainant is granted lifelong anonymity.

The firm said: “The motto ‘innocent until proven guilty’ does not ring true in these days of social media.”