In May 2016, South Yorkshire Police sent a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service. The following month, the CPS announced that after reviewing "evidence relating to claims of non-recent sexual offences dating between 1958 and 1983 made by four men", there was "insufficient evidence" to charge Richard with an offence, and that no further action against him would be taken. Richard said he was "obviously thrilled that the vile accusations and the resulting investigation have finally been brought to a close". But he said his naming by the media, despite not being charged, meant he had been "hung out like live bait". South Yorkshire Police later "apologised wholeheartedly" to Richard after its investigation into the singer was dropped on 16 June 2016. Richard commented: "My reputation will not be fully vindicated because the CPS's policy is to only say something general about there being 'insufficient' evidence. How can there be evidence for something that never took place?" It was subsequently reported that during the 22-month police investigation a man was arrested over a plot to blackmail Richard. The unnamed man in his forties contacted Richard's aides and threatened to spread "false stories" unless he received a sum of money.
in may 2016 south yorkshire police sent a file of evidence to the crown prosecution service the following month the cps announced that after reviewing "evidence relating to claims of non-recent sexual offences dating between 1958 and 1983 made by four men" there was "insufficient evidence" to charge richard with an offence and that no further action against him would be taken richard said he was "obviously thrilled that the vile accusations and the resulting investigation have finally been brought to a close" but he said his naming by the media despite not being charged meant he had been "hung out like live bait" south yorkshire police later "apologised wholeheartedly" to richard after its investigation into the singer was dropped on 16 june 2016 richard commented "my reputation will not be fully vindicated because the cps's policy is to only say something general about there being 'insufficient' evidence how can there be evidence for something that never took place" it was subsequently reported that during the 22-month police investigation a man was arrested over a plot to blackmail richard the unnamed man in his forties contacted richard's aides and threatened to spread "false stories" unless he received a sum of money