Sir Cliff Richard Quizzed By Detectives

Sir Cliff Richard: MP Hits Out At Police

Updated: 3:53pm UK, Sunday 24 August 2014

By Sean Dilley, Sky News Reporter

Former Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans has called for an open and thorough investigation into police handling of Sir Cliff Richard's case.

The Ribble Valley MP, who was cleared of sexual offence charges earlier this year, told Sky News serious questions need to be asked about the processes employed by the South Yorkshire force.

"Ten days after Sir Cliff's house was searched and his name plastered around the world, he is finally given the opportunity to respond to allegations in a police interview," said Mr Evans.

"He denies any wrongdoing, and he has not been arrested. He also hasn't been charged with any offence.

"Call me old fashioned but I believe in innocent 'til proven guilty, not innocent 'til proven a celebrity."

Mr Evans will not have long to wait for the thorough probe he is demanding.

The influential Commons Home Affairs Select Committee has launched an inquiry in to the processes that led to BBC journalists having advance notice of where and when officers would be executing a search warrant.

David Crompton, Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police, has written to Committee chairman Keith Vaz confirming his attendance, while rigorously defending his officers.

"The (BBC) journalist made reference to the investigation of the allegations and he named the suspect and indicated that the information was from a source outside South Yorkshire Police," he wrote.

Referring to the journalist's "privileged information about the circumstances of the allegation", he said the decision was made to cooperate with the journalist to protect the integrity of the investigation.

The BBC's Director General has backed the Corporation's journalists. In a letter to Mr Vaz, he said: "I believe that BBC journalists have acted appropriately in pursuing this story.

"As you rightly say, the media has a right to report on matters of public interest.

"Sir Cliff Richard is one of the most successful British entertainers of all time and has been a prominent public figure for several decades.

"Investigations into historic sex abuse cases have - and will continue to have - a profound impact on the lives of well-known individuals and the standing of public institutions.

"The disclosure of a sex abuse allegation against Sir Cliff Richard and the police search of his property was clearly a significant story and the BBC was not alone in providing extensive coverage."

But whatever the rights and wrongs of this case, Mr Evans is keen to stress that Sir Cliff, in common with any other private citizen, is not guilty merely because an allegation has been made.

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