BBC attacks Sir Cliff Richard's 'grossly unreasonable' spending on lawyers

Telegraph   News
BBC attacks Sir Cliff Richard's 'grossly unreasonable' spending on lawyers in his fight for damages over filming of police raid on his home

Sir Cliff Richard

 Sir Cliff Richard
BBC bosses say Sir Cliff Richard has spent "grossly unreasonable" amounts on lawyers after complaining about reports naming him as a suspected sex offender and taking legal action.   CREDIT: PA
 Nicola Harley
4 MAY 2017 • 11:41AM
BBC bosses say Sir Cliff Richard has spent "grossly unreasonable" amounts on lawyers after complaining about reports naming him as a suspected sex offender and taking legal action.
They say figures show the singer has already run up legal costs of more than £500,000 which are on "on any view ... disproportionate".
Lawyers representing the BBC made the criticism as a judge analysed the latest stage of the dispute at a High Court hearing in London on Thursday.
If Sir Cliff's claim succeeds, and he wins damages, the BBC could be ordered to pick up all his lawyers' bills.
Sir Cliff Richard
Sir Cliff Richard has spent up to £500,000 so far on legal fees in his court battle with the BBC. CREDIT: PA
BBC editors have said they will "defend ourselves vigorously".
"The claimant's budget shows pre-action costs of £525,437, including 1,287 hours of solicitors' time," Gavin Millar QC, who heads the BBC's legal team, told the judge in a written submission.
"Though not without its legal complexities, this case cannot have required extensive factual investigations on behalf of the claimant: the broadcasts are in the public domain."
He added: "On any view ... the claimant's incurred costs to date are grossly unreasonable and disproportionate."
Mr Millar said the judge should record "strong disapproval"."
Cliff Richard
The Charters Estate in Sunningdale, Berkshire, where Sir Cliff Richard has an apartment. CREDIT: PA
Detail of Sir Cliff's claim emerged last year in paperwork lodged at the High Court by lawyers.
Mr Justice Mann is overseeing the latest in a series of preliminary hearings in London.
Sir Cliff was not at the hearing which is due to end on Friday.
He is suing the BBC  over reports naming him as a suspected sex offender and wants damages.