Cliff Richard’s legal battle with BBC set for decision

A JUDGE was last night set to deliver a ruling on a High Court fight between Sir Cliff Richard (right) and the BBC.

The 77-year-old singer took legal action against BBC bosses over coverage of a South Yorkshire Police raid on his home in Sunningdale, Berkshire, in August 2014, following a child sex assault allegation.

He wants damages at the “top end” of the scale.

Mr Justice Mann oversaw a trial at the High Court in London during April and May and is scheduled to deliver a ruling on Wednesday.

Sir Cliff told the judge that coverage, which involved the use of a helicopter, was a “very serious invasion” of his privacy. The BBC disputes his claims, with its bosses saying the coverage was accurate and in good faith.

Mr Justice Mann heard that, in late 2013, a man made an allegation to the Metropolitan Police, saying he had been sexually assaulted by Sir Cliff during an event featuring evangelist Billy Graham at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane football stadium, in 1985, when he was a child.

Metropolitan Police officers passed the allegation to South Yorkshire Police in July 2014.

Sir Cliff denied the allegation. He was never arrested, and in June 2016 prosecutors said he would face no charges.

South Yorkshire Police had agreed to pay Sir Cliff £400,000 after settling a claim he brought against the force.