Robert Buckland: Suspected sex offenders should be granted anonymity to protect reputations

Suspected sex offenders whose reputations could be wrecked by false claims should be granted anonymity, says the former Lord Chancellor, as high-profile victims launch a campaign for a law change.

Sir Robert Buckland, QC, said people arrested for any crimes including sex offences should have a right to anonymity until charged in order to prevent innocent people having their lives “trampled over and reputations trashed”.

His comments come as Sir Cliff Richard next month joins with other victims of false sex abuse claims including those in the Metropolitan Police’s bungled Operation Midland to call for law changes that would preserve the anonymity of suspects.

Sir Cliff, who has spoken of his year of hell after facing false historic sex abuse allegations, will be joined by Harvey Proctor, the former Tory MP falsely accused by Carl Beech, aka “Nick,” and DJ Paul Gambaccini to publish an amendment to enact a change in the law.

“There is a world of difference between someone with lots of previous convictions who might not want their name publicised against someone with blameless good character,” said Sir Robert.

Read the full article at The Telegraph.