Gloria’s anger over Cliff police probe Treatment of my friend has
been shocking, says TV host
GLORIA Hunniford has slammed police over their handling of sex crime claims against Sir Cliff Richard.
The broadcaster says the way her close friend has been treated is “shocking” and added: “I’ve known him for 45 years – he’s an admirable man and I would trust him with my life.”
Sir Cliff’s career has been in limbo ever since police raided his £ 3.5million flat in Berkshire in August 2014.
The operation, covered live by the BBC, came after a man accused the singer of sexually assaulting him at a religious rally 30 years ago.
Sir Cliff, 75, vehemently denies the allegations and has co- operated fully with the police investigation.
Outcome
In the past he has described the claims as “absurd and untrue”.
He has been interviewed under caution, but he has not been arrested or charged with any offence.
Ms Hunniford said: “My biggest current disappointment is the way the authorities have treated Cliff Richard over the allegations he faces.
“He’s had a cloud hanging over him for almost two years as he waits for the outcome of the investigation.”
The veteran co- host of the BBC’s Rip Off Britain added: “I’m hugely disappointed that the authorities haven’t dealt with it. It’s shocking.”
The complainant, now in his late 40s, claims Sir Cliff sexually assaulted him at a Billy Graham evangelical rally in Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane football stadium in 1985.
The investigation is being handled by South Yorkshire Police, which is currently reeling from accusations of a huge cover- up over the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans at the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.
Pressure on the force increased after it emerged officers did not speak to the complainant for three months.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, reportedly said: “I’m very, very angry with the lack of communication from South Yorkshire Police.”
The alleged victim has been interviewed by police twice since he made his claim, the last time a year ago.
Following the raid, two other men came forward to make allegations against Sir Cliff. Claims made by one of the men have been dismissed.
The singer, who is worth £ 100million, was in his villa in Portugal when he watched the raid on his home near Sunningdale on a TV news bulletin.
A secret deal between the BBC and South Yorkshire Police to broadcast the raid live was widely criticised at the time. Keith Vaz, chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, said: “No citizen should have to watch... their home being raided in this way.”
South Yorkshire Police has defended its procedures, claiming that “inquiries are ongoing”, with officers receiving “investigative support” from the Crown Prosecution Service.