Police chief ‘knew there would be repercussions over BBC’s coverage’
THE FORMER chief constable of South Yorkshire Police said he knew immediately there would be “repercussions” after he saw BBC coverage of the force’s search at Sir Cliff Richard’s home.
David Crompton told Mr Justice Mann he saw the broadcast while on the beach during a family holiday in Wales, and was “not expecting” to see footage filmed from a helicopter.
Giving evidence at the High Court yesterday, he said: “Having looked at the footage, I immediately formed the view there would be repercussions. I was expecting to see officers going in from the street, I wasn’t expecting to see a helicopter, and I felt that would change the perspective of people viewing this and attract criticism – and we would be part of that.”
Sir Cliff is claiming “substantial” damages for what he says was a “very serious invasion” of his privacy when the raid on his home was broadcast in 2014. The coverage included footage taken from a helicopter over the 77-year-old entertainer’s home on a private estate in Sunningdale, Berkshire.
The BBC contends there was a “legitimate public interest” in its coverage and is vigorously defending the case. Mr Crompton told the court he thought the BBC’s use of a helicopter to film above Sir Cliff’s property was “disproportionate”.
Sir Cliff was accused of molesting a teenager at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane during a rally led by the evangelical preacher Billy Graham in the 1980s. But no charges were brought against the singer after an investigation lasting almost two years. South Yorkshire Police have paid £400,000 in damages to the singer, but the force is asking Mr Justice Mann to rule that the BBC should contribute towards this.
The force contends the BBC bears greater responsibility for the harm caused to Sir Cliff. The hearing has been adjourned until May 8, when lawyers will make closing submissions in the case.