Back in 2016, Sir Cliff Richard was accused of having allegedly sexually abused a child in 1985 at the Bramall Lane stadium. While prosecutors dismissed the criminal charges, the BBC published footage of a police raid on Richard’s home.

Richard has now successfully sued the BBC for their actions in an invasion of privacy suit and the veteran singer has been awarded £210,000. The BBC had insisted they had a journalistic right to report on the events at Richard’s home, saying that winning the case against them would curb the ability of the media to cover police investigations.

BBC considering an appeal

After the Justice found in favour of Richard, the BBC said it was considering appealing the verdict. Their lawyers argue that the media outlet had a “strong journalist right” to publish and report on such events. However, Justice Mann ruled Richard would be awarded damages, saying the BBC had infringed those rights and had no legal justification for publishing the footage. The Justice added that the BBC did so in a “somewhat sensationalist way.” Justice Mann added that he had rejected the case of the BBC who had claimed their reporting was covered by freedom of the press.

Sir Cliff Richard relieved by the verdict

As reported by the Express, Richard was supported by a close friend, Gloria Hunniford in the court and he was relieved when the justice announced the ruling.

As he left the court, fans congratulated him on his win. Looking choked with emotion, Richard said outside the court that he was overcome by emotion and that it would be a while before he would be able to talk. He asked his fans to forgive him.

According to Richard’s lawyer, Gideon Benaim, the singer had never expected to have his reputation and privacy tarnished in this way, especially after 60 years in the public eye.

However, he added that the BBC was refusing to apologise and still insist it had been a “public interest story.” Benaim went on to say that serious questions needed to be asked after the media organization tried its best to preserve this as an “exclusive” story.

Speaking of the £210,000 award, Benaim said Richard is not interested in making personal gain from the case and that he only wanted to “right a wrong.” There was previously an amount of £400,000 payable as damages by the South Yorkshire Police, which they had agreed to, but the BBC has to pay 65 percent of that.

As the raid happened

As reported by the Evening Standard, Sir Cliff was away from home when the raid occurred and only found out about the police investigation as he received calls from friends who had seen the raid as it happened on BBC News. Earlier this year, Richard told the civil trial that he had found viewing the TV footage of the raid shocking and upsetting. He added that this had taken a toll on his mental and physical health.

Richard said that he felt like everything he had worked for his whole life while trying to live as honourably and honestly as he could, was torn apart by the footage of the raid. He added that he still feels tainted by the incident.
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