Jo Cox MP: a price too high

In more recent times, though, the pop singer was seen by many only through the prism of potential sex abuser. He was not considered innocent until proven guilty. Far from it.

In the end, it might be argued that it was public adulation for Sir Cliff Richard that helped to foster his public excoriation.

A regional police force, which was already leaking public confidence as a result of its mishandling of other matters, decided to steal back a little public respect. It should have been investigating, methodically and quietly, serious criminal allegations. Instead, it took a high profile individual, previously above reproach, and started a PR campaign against him.

No suspect should be publicly named before concrete, actionable charges have been laid against him or her. An accused person has the right to confront his or her accusers, with the opportunity to offer a defence. Innuendo is not evidence and trial by media does not allow for a properly constructed legal defence.

Though Cliff Richard’s story has ended more happily than that of Jo Cox, he has also paid a high price simply for living in the public eye. In many minds, his name will forever be linked to unproven claims about abuse.

When we revere people in public life too highly, we set them and ourselves up for a fall. When we constantly excoriate people in public life, taking cheap shots on social or other media, we unwittingly transform ourselves into victims. 

When we take this a step further and physically attack high profile individuals, we dehumanise ourselves and defile a culture of fairness.

If we project our fears too readily onto public figures, we reduce the number of good people wanting to serve. It's a price too high.