http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2793805.stm
Police drop Kelly abuse inquiry
Mr Kelly spoke of his relief |
Police are taking no action against TV presenter Matthew Kelly over an allegation of sexual abuse against a young boy. But he has received a formal caution after officers discovered a small quantity of a class A drug at his house during a search.
Despite that, employers Granada and ITV have said he will return to host the next series of popular Saturday night prime time show Stars in Their Eyes.
Mr Kelly, 52, of Chiswick, west London, was arrested in Birmingham on 15 January in connection with an allegation of sexual abuse in the 1970s.
| I recognise that the use of such drugs is both illegal and foolish Matthew Kelly |
After further questioning at Staines police station in west London on Monday, the star was told by police he would be released due to "insufficient evidence" against him.
In a statement he read outside the station, he said: "I am delighted but not surprised that after an extensive and thorough police investigation, which included inquiries abroad, it is clear that there is no truth in the single allegation that was made against me.
"I strenuously denied the allegation when interviewed by the police and have given them all possible assistance with the investigation which they were under a duty to carry out.
"I was always confident my name would be cleared in due course."
Name cleared
The star had been due to answer bail at Guildford police station next month, but was brought back early on Monday.
The allegation was believed to have dated from the 1970s.
Mr Kelly added: "It has been a very anxious and upsetting time for me and my family, not least because of press coverage at the time of my arrest."
| This will have no bearing on his future with Granada ITV and Granada statement |
Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Denholm said the force had a duty of care to carry out an investigation, which included searches, computer examinations and witness interviews.
But he added: "Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service it has been decided there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation against Matthew Kelly.
"Until this point Surrey Police has not named Mr Kelly and has taken steps to minimise the disruption to his public and private life."
Mr Denholm said the small quantity of class A drugs had been discovered during a police search of Mr Kelly's London home.
TV return
He said Mr Kelly had admitted possession and had been formally cautioned.
Mr Kelly said he recognised having class A drugs had been "illegal and foolish" and he apologised to his family and any members of the public who felt let down.
Mr Kelly was arrested as part of the sex abuse inquiry that led to the conviction of pop mogul Jonathan King.
| Mr Kelly was confident his innocence would be proved |
Mr Kelly had been appearing as Captain Hook in a production of Peter Pan.
Davina McCall was picked to host three Stars In Their Eyes celebrity specials while the investigation into the star - who is married with two grown-up children - was ongoing.
However, in a statement, Granada and ITV said: "Now that this matter has been resolved, we look forward to him returning in the forthcoming series of Stars in Their Eyes and the live final."
The organisations said they had discussed the drug caution with the presenter.
"This will have no bearing on his future with Granada," the statement added.
Can we resuscitate him now, Gerard?
Mr Kelly spoke of his relief
I recognise that the use of such drugs is both illegal and foolish 
Matthew Kelly 
Mr Kelly was confident his innocence would be proved