Decisions not to prosecute Sir Cliff Richard over sex abuse allegations “were correct” CPS rule
Pop legend said 'I'm obviously pleased with today's CPS decision'
CLIFF Richard has said he is pleased after officials announced that the decision not to prosecute him over allegations of sex abuse "was correct".
The veteran singer was the subject of a long-running South Yorkshire Police investigation which centred on accusations made by four men and dating between 1958 and 1983.
In June the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that no criminal charges were to be brought as a result of Operation Kaddie.
Further assessment have since been held after two alleged victims asked the CPS to look at the case again.
The CPS again determined that no charges should be brought against the singer.
Sir Cliff, who has always denied the allegations, said: "As I have said previously I'm innocent, so I'm obviously pleased with today's CPS decision and the speed with which they reached it. I hope that it brings this matter to a close."
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A CPS spokesperson said: "On 16 June, the CPS announced that no criminal charges were to be brought as a result of Operation Kaddie.
"The CPS subsequently received applications to review two of the charging decisions under the Victims’ Right to Review scheme.
"In accordance with the scheme, a CPS lawyer who was not involved in the original decision-making process has completed a full review of the evidence and has concluded that the decisions not to charge were correct."
Sir Cliff, 75, was never arrested or charged in relation to the allegations and it took just a few weeks for the CPS to reject the evidence collected over 22 months by South Yorkshire detectives.
He was first told he would not face charges in June following a police investigation that included a raid on the star's apartment, which was broadcast by the BBC.
South Yorkshire police have since apologised for the anxiety caused by their initial handling of the media.
Sir Cliff said he had been "hung out like live bait".
The singer, actor and TV star has enjoyed a career spanning more than half a century with hits including The Young Ones, Living Doll and Summer Holiday.
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