Cliff Richard: Scandal

ALMOST two years ago, alongside camera crews from the BBC, South Yorkshire Police descended on the home of Sir Cliff Richard. 

It took officers until May this year to hand over evidence to prosecutors and it was only yesterday that the singer was finally told he would face no charges.

The handling of this case by police and prosecutors is an utter disgrace. Sir Cliff has done nothing wrong.

In fact, he even went out of his way to be helpful. And it is worth remembering that he was never even placed under arrest.

Yet still he was forced to endure almost two years living under the threat of prosecution, an experience sure to take a terrible emotional and financial toll.

And that is not to mention the irreparable damage that has been done to the reputation of a popular and successful entertainer.

Throughout the farcical investigation the police managed to whip up a media frenzy.

Sir Cliff believes that officers thought this would help them find other supposed victims.

If so, this is an appalling abuse of their power. This case is far from unique.

Sir Cliff is but one of the innocent men who has suffered during a witch-hunt against public figures accused of historic sex crimes. And nor is it only the famous who have been targeted.

In a bid to ensure more prosecutions for rape a number of men have been arrested, charged and even put on trial as a result of scandalously flimsy evidence.

In light of these repeated failings the Government must consider granting anonymity to those accused of sexual offences.

Express Comment.

Wise words, comrade.

See also After Cliff Richard, no more celebrities should to be traduced in a public fishing expedition. Sadly, they will, Tom Harris, Telegraph, Sir Cliff Richard has suffered a terrible injustice, Telegraph View.

The gay media's coverage of this?

Not one word.

Mail Online.