Cliff says reporter ‘strong-armed’ police
SIR Cliff Richard has accused a BBC reporter of “strong-arming” South Yorkshire Police into co-operating after he was accused of a historic child sex assault.
The 76-year-old singer says officers co-operated after reporter Dan Johnson “threatened” to broadcast a story.
BBC editors deny the allegation.
Sir Cliff sued the BBC –and South Yorkshire Police – over reports naming him as a suspected sex offender following coverage of a police raid at his apartment in Sunningdale, Berkshire, in August 2014.
He says his privacy was invaded and he wants “’very substantial” damages.
BBC bosses say they will “defend ourselves vigorously”.
A barrister outlined Sir Cliff’s claims – in written and oral submissions – at a preliminary hearing at the High Court in London on Wednesday, which the singer did not attend.
“Mr Johnson knew a great deal about the investigation,” Justin Rushbrooke QC told Mr Justice Mann.
“Mr Johnson told South Yorkshire Police that he had enough to broadcast a story and indeed threatened to do so and it was for these reasons that South Yorkshire Police agreed to co-operate with Mr Johnson in the way and to the extent that they did.”
He said Mr Johnson was able “in effect to strong-arm” South Yorkshire Police into cooperating