Experts say journalists could be left ‘walking on eggshells’

Specialist lawyers say Mr Justice Mann’s ruling in Sir Cliff Richard’s case will have implications for journalists.

One says the media will “have to walk on eggshells” when reporting police investigations.

Another says the case could prove “very expensive” for the BBC.

The Society of Editors warned of “worrying consequences” for press freedom.

Robert Conway, who works for law firm Vardags, said: “Sir Cliff Richard’s remarkable success in his case against the BBC will have far reaching implications for the way the media report police investigations.

“It could lead to a call to reform the law to give better protection to those under investigation for allegations such as this one, where assumptions are inevitably made about guilt or innocence before charges have even been brought. The award of aggravated damages is particularly telling of the court’s disapproval of the tactics employed.

“It will be interesting to see whether the BBC in particular seeks to challenge the judgment.”

He added: “This is a case with huge implications for media reporting in general versus the rights of the individual.

“The police’s own guidance clearly provides that in most cases a suspect’s identity should remain confidential during an investigation stage.

“In this case there was no legitimate investigative purpose behind the disclosure of Sir Cliff’s identity and the manner with which the police rode roughshod over their own guidance raises the clear need for an actual change in law.”