The Living Doll hitmaker was questioned by detectives over an alleged sex attack on a young boy in 1985 following a raid on his home in Berkshire, England last summer (Aug14).

Richard vehemently denied the allegation and he was not charged, but police officers subsequently moved forward with plans to expand the investigation.

The star has now received the backing of another veteran singer, Beatles legend MCCartney, who is adamant Richard is a "nice guy".

He tells British newspaper the Daily Mirror, "I've read what people have read and I don't really know, I don't really know where we're up to with that... I don't know whether it is (true) or not, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. He's always seemed like a really cool guy to me, a nice guy."