Cliff Richards Haunted by Decades Old Sex Abuse Allegations as Case Goes to Crow Prosecutors

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LONDON — British prosecutors are considering whether to pursue criminal charges against singer Sir Cliff Richard over alleged sex abuse several decades ago.

The Crown Prosecution Service said in a statement Tuesday it will “carefully consider” evidence handed over by South Yorkshire Police.

The 75-year-old singer was interviewed last year and in 2014 by South Yorkshire Police, who were investigating allegations that he sexually abused a teenage boy in the 1980s.

He has never been arrested and has always denied the claims made against him but now, the case will be handed to the CPS so they can consider if there is “sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction”.

Prosecutors say they will determine if there is “sufficient evidence” to provide reasonable chances of conviction and whether a prosecution is in the public interest.

Meanwhile, it was previously claimed that Cliff feels “strained” by the investigation.

His close friend David Wigg said: “It is really appalling it is taking so long. As far as I’m concerned Sir Cliff has had an unblemished life. I don’t believe any of these accusations. I don’t understand why this is taking so long. I think it’s awful for him and it’s been a tremendous strain not having any conclusion for so long.

“He has been left shocked and strained by the allegations. In cases like this that person is damaged professionally whatever the outcome. It’s been a tremendous shock and strain for him. It seems like something of a witch-hunt.”

At the time of Cliff’s voluntary interview in November last year, his representative said the allegations were “completely false”.

They said: “Sir Cliff Richard voluntarily met with and was interviewed by members of South Yorkshire Police. He was not arrested or charged, nor has he ever been. He co-operated fully with officers and answered the questions put to him.

“Other than restating that the allegations are completely false and that he will continue to co-operate fully with the police, it would not be appropriate for Sir Cliff to say anything further at this time.”

Sir Richard has remained a popular act in Britain following his heyday in the late 1950s and early 1960s just before the Beatles burst onto the music scene.