Decision Not To Prosecute Sir Cliff Richard In Abuse Investigation Under Review

Sir Cliff Richard was cleared of sex abuse allegations back in June, but now the Crown Prosecution Service has placed the case back under review as one of his accusers has challenged the decision not to prosecute him.

The case was dismissed when the CPS ruled that there was “insufficient evidence” to bring charges against the 75-year-old star after considering claims made by four men, dating between 1958 and 1983.

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But at the beginning of August an application under the victims’ Right to Review scheme was lodged by an accuser who challenged the decision and subsequently the case is now under review again.

Speaking to The Mirror, a CPS spokesperson confirmed: “We have received a Victims’ Right to Review request.”

The Right to Review process allows an alleged victim, within three months of the original decision, to appeal against the judgment. Case papers will then be reviewed before deciding whether to uphold or overturn the decision.

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Two months ago, after the investigation was originally closed, Sir Cliff said he was “obviously thrilled that the vile accusations and the resulting investigation have finally been brought to a close.”

He was never arrested or charged, but declared that he will never be fully vindicated, as the CPS had not said that he was innocent.

Following the verdict, South Yorkshire Police – who previously raided the singer’s home during a live broadcast on the BBC – apologised “wholeheartedly for the additional anxiety caused” by their “initial handling of the media interest” in its investigation.

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Sir Cliff was reportedly told of the accuser’s challenge shortly before the death of his sister Donna Goulden, 73, earlier this month.

Now the CPS appeals unit is examining the Right to Review request, which usually takes up to six weeks.