Sir Cliff Richard been awarded more than £200,000 in damages after winning his High Court privacy battle against the BBC over its coverage of a police search of his home.
The 77-year-old singer took legal action against BBC bosses over broadcasts of a South Yorkshire Police raid on his home in Sunningdale, Berkshire, in August 2014, following a child sex assault allegation.
Don’t miss out: Three steps to ensure you see all ED!’s latest news on Facebook
Announcing his ruling, Mr Justice Mann said the BBC had infringed the star’s privacy rights in a “serious and sensationalist way”.
He awarded Sir Cliff £210,000 damages for the “general effect” on his life and said he is entitled to recover further sums for the financial impact on the star, which will be decided at a later date.
Speaking outside the court on Wednesday, Sir Cliff said: “I can’t really answer too many questions at the moment, it’s going to take me a while for me to get over the whole emotional factor, so I hope you’ll forgive me.”
He added: “I’m choked up. I can’t believe it. It’s wonderful news.”
The judge oversaw a trial at the High Court in London during April and May.
During the hearing Sir Cliff told the judge that coverage, which involved the use of a helicopter, was a “very serious invasion” of his privacy.
The BBC disputed his claims and senior editors said the coverage was accurate and in good faith.
Mr Justice Mann heard that, in late 2013, a man made an allegation to the Metropolitan Police, saying he had been sexually assaulted by Sir Cliff during an event featuring evangelist Billy Graham at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane football stadium, in 1985, when he was a child.
Metropolitan Police officers passed the allegation to South Yorkshire Police in July 2014.
Sir Cliff denied the allegation and was never arrested, and in June 2016 prosecutors announced that he would face no charges.
South Yorkshire Police had agreed to pay Sir Cliff £400,000 after settling a claim he brought against the force.
Don’t miss out: Three steps to ensure you see all ED!’s latest news on Facebook