YOUR editorial argued that to "protect a free media and public's right to know" the judgement in favour of Sir Cliff Richard "cannot – and must not – be allowed to stand" ("Sir Cliff ruling is a major threat to a free press", The Herald, July 19). However the facts of this case suggest the judgement of Mr Justice Mann was absolutely correct.
Sir Cliff hadn't been questioned, let alone charged, when the BBC aired its grossly sensationalist coverage. It didn't give him sufficient time before the broadcast to respond and emails were produced showing it strong-armed the police into giving their co-operation.
The BBC's reputation as a leader of the "free media" took a hit when the judge highlighted the lack of "honesty and reliability" shown by BBC witnesses, singling out several for very serious criticism. It also compounded the outrage by entering the piece for an RTS award.
This farrago is but a step from the vile US "Perp Walk" where humiliated defendants are denied the presumption of innocence. The fact is there are too many instances of supposed rapists being shamed by anonymous accusers who turn out to be vindictive fantasists.
Rev Dr John Cameron,
10 Howard Place, St Andrews.
THE Cliff Richard ruling would be welcomed by any authoritarian regime.
How dare this judge label BBC News "gossip mongers" when the organisation was doing precisely what any news organisation should do in a free society?
Without the media – and especially the Press actually – quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Tim Bugler,
Court reporter, The Central Scotland News Agency,
Main Street, Camelon, Falkirk.
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