‘Intrusive’ questioning of Sir Cliff unjustified, says lawyer

LAWYERS REPRESENTING Sir Cliff Richard have criticised BBC bosses over the way the singer was questioned about his “religious and political beliefs” during a High Court trial.

Barrister Justin Rushbrooke QC, who is leading Sir Cliff ’s legal team, told a judge that a lawyer representing the BBC had crossexamined Sir Cliff in an “intrusive way”.

He told Mr Justice Mann that “unjustified” questioning had caused Sir Cliff to “relive very painful events” and made him “break down in tears” when giving evidence.

The 77-year-old singer has sued the BBC over coverage of a South Yorkshire Police raid on his home in August 2014 and wants damages at the “top end” of the scale.

He has told Mr Justice Mann that coverage, which involved the use of a helicopter, was a “very serious invasion” of his privacy.

The BBC disputes his claims. Bosses say coverage of the search of the apartment in Sunningdale, Berkshire, was accurate and in good faith.

Mr Justice Mann has finished analysing evidence at a High Court trial in London.

He is now considering barristers’ closing legal arguments.

Mr Rushbrooke said, in a written “closing submission”, that Sir Cliff had might have suffered permanent damage to his self-esteem as a result of the BBC coverage.

He said “intrusive” questioning had added insult to injury.

Mr Rushbrooke said the singer should get “very substantial damages”.

Barrister Gavin Millar QC, who is leading the BBC’s legal team, told the judge that broadcasters had a “strong journalistic right” to report as they did.

He said an allegation of a “serious criminal offence” had been made.

“The allegation being investigated was of a serious criminal offence,” Mr Millar told Mr Justice Mann in a written “closing skeleton argument”.

“The BBC’s reporting was confined to the most basic facts, visual images, concerning the investigation and the search.”

He said Sir Cliff ’s claim should be dismissed.

The hearing will continue today.