‘Substantial’ compensation urged for Sir Cliff Richard over BBC raid coverage

The 77-year-old singer has sued the BBC over coverage of the raid – which followed a sex assault allegation.

Sir Cliff, who denied the allegation and was not charged with any offence, says he suffered “profound and long-lasting damage” as a result of coverage.

BBC editors have said they will “defend ourselves vigorously”.

Mr Justice Mann on Thursday began overseeing a trial, expected to last 10 days, at the High Court in London.

A barrister leading Sir Cliff’s legal team told Mr Justice Mann that BBC coverage of the search at the singer’s apartment in Sunningdale, Berkshire, in August 2014 was a “very serious invasion” of privacy.

Justin Rushbrooke QC told how coverage had a “prolonged impact” on Sir Cliff.

He did not give any indication of the amount Sir Cliff wanted.

But Mr Justice Mann heard that the singer had already agreed to accept a £400,000 payment from the force which carried out the search.

Sir Cliff, who was abroad when the raid took place, had initially sued the BBC and South Yorkshire Police.

Mr Justice Mann was told in May 2017 how that dispute had been settled after the force agreed to pay the singer “substantial” damages.

The judge has now been given the figure by lawyers representing the force at the trial.

They explained in a written statement given to the…