Sir Cliff Richard’s file has been sent to the Crown Prosecution Service.
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".
A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service said: "We have received a full file of evidence from South Yorkshire Police. We will now carefully consider its contents in line with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, in order to establish whether there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction, and whether it is in the public interest to do so."
Whilst a spokesperson for the singer added: "It would be inappropriate to comment while the matter is under review."
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 Cliff Richard’s file sent to Crown Prosecution Service
