BBC refused permission to appeal in Cliff Richard case

The broadcaster agreed to pay £850,000 of Sir Cliff’s legal costs, which will be covered by the license fee.

This is in addition to £210,000 in damages awarded to the 77-year-old performer when the High Court ruled that the BBC had breached his privacy with coverage of a police raid on his home in 2014.

Gavin Millar QC, for the BBC, argued that issues raised in the case meant there was “compelling reason” for an appeal. He said the damages award was “wrong in law” and would make it more difficult for journalists to investigate suspected criminals.

“The risk is a severe chilling effect on the freedom of the press in relation to reporting police investigations,” the silk said.

In its submission, the broadcaster said the judge had failed to apportion any weight to how the corporation sought to respect Sir Cliff’s presumed innocence in its reporting.

But Mr Justice Mann refused the application, saying it lacked any real prospect of success.

The BBC can make an application to the Court of Appeal directly.