What a shock--another one

[lissie]

Just heard on the news that Cliff Richard is being investigated over an
alleged assault on a minor back in the 80`s
There seems no end to it

lissie

[Kaz]

I had seen online rumours about him, but was hoping they were just rumours

Of course we must stress these are only allegations, and thank you for saying alleged Lissie as we have to be careful these days

Where will it all end

[Rodo]

What?

[Rodo]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28790718

[saundra]

Are /were they all at it I wonder but why wait so long to come forward

[Workingman]

Why does a story about allegations become the top news item?

Are we so infatuated by Celebrity that 'real' news comes second?

[debih]

I don't believe this one at all.

I believed all the others but not ths one. It just doesn't ring true.

[JoM]

:( I had seen online rumours about him, but was hoping they were just rumours

Of course we must stress these are only allegations, and thank you for saying alleged Lissie as we have to be careful these days

Where will it all end

Yes, I've seen rumours about him for a long time too

[Osc]

What infuriates me is that it would appear that the police visit was unannounced, yet the media was there in force, so someone tipped them off I think it is extremely irresponsible of various media outlets to name any celebrity in this manner but there seems to be no comeback for the celebrity if in fact charges are not brought or he (usually a he) is found not guilty. But an alleged victim is free to sell their story to whatever cheap rag will pay them money or whichever cheap tv morning show will give them airtime

[TheOstrich]

The police are more than happy for the media publicity. It's policy. They believe that thanks to the media-time, more victims will come forward.

Personally, I think it's trawling, and totally wrong.

I reckon we need three things -
1) A return to a statute of limitations. Enough of these 20 / 30 / 40 year old cases.
2) Anonymity until charged.
3) A ban on victims making any financial gain, either via the media for a story or from compensation off the perpetrator's estate. It will stop money being a motive. If the perp is guilty, the court sentence should be enough.