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Davidson to face no further action

COMEDIAN Jim Davidson is "pleased" to have been told that he will face no further action in the UK after he was arrested on suspicion of historic sexual offences.

The 59-year-old was held in January by detectives from Operation Yewtree, the national investigation sparked by the Jimmy Savile abuse scandal, and re-arrested in March after further allegations emerged.

He was told yesterday that he will face no further action in Britain and one remaining claim has been referred to an authority outside the UK.

His solicitor Henri Brandman of Henri Brandman and Co solicitors said yesterday: "My client Jim Davidson was, of course, arrested a number of months ago in respect of allegations of an historical sexual nature. He is pleased to have received news today that there will be no further action relating to the allegations."

Davidson has consistently denied the allegations against him, which were said to involve a number of women, and one claim that dated back 35 years.

The allegations had no connection to disgraced television presenter Savile, and Davidson previously said that all

the alleged victims were adults at the time of the claims.

He and a 53-year-old man who was also arrested in January were released from bail yesterday and told that they will face no further action.

A Scotland Yard spokesman did not

name the performer, but said: "There remains one outstanding allegation originally referred to Operation Yewtree that falls outside UK jurisdiction which has been referred to the relevant authority."

Prosecutors said that there was insufficient evidence in relation to 10 allegations, one of which related to both men, and nine others that were made against Davidson.

A Crown Prosecution spokesman said: "All the complaints have been reviewed in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and the CPS legal guidance on rape and sexual offences.

"We have determined that there is insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction in relation to all complaints and have advised the Metropolitan Police Service that no further action should be taken."

? 'PLEASED': Jim Davidson