James Rhodes has won the right to publish his autobiography, which documents the sexual abuse he suffered as a child.

The concert pianist has fought a year-long battle in the English courts after he and the publishers Canongate were banned from releasing the book; lawyers had previously obtained an injunction after Rhodes’s ex-wife raised concerns that it would cause ‘serious harm’ to their 11-year-old son.

A Supreme Court ruling today, however – requested by Rhodes – lifted the ban. ‘This is a victory for freedom of speech,’ the pianist said. ‘We do not ban books in this country.’

Rhodes’s autobiography details the abuse he suffered during his childhood, and reveals how music has been a coping mechanism for him throughout his life. He insists his son will not be harmed by the book: ‘I love him more than anything. I am his father. He is not going to read the book. This is not a children's book.’

Rhodes’s lifelong friend Benedict Cumberbatch, who accompanied Rhodes to court, said: ‘It is a very emotional moment. It is a searing vindication of freedom of speech.’

Another friend, Stephen Fry, tweeted: ‘Full vindication from the Supreme Court for my friend @JRhodesPianist.’