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SIR PAUL HITS BACK AT ACCUSATIONS MADE BY WIFE HEATHER

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19 OCTOBER 2006

Sir Paul McCartney has vowed to "vigorously" defend himself from allegations he was physically abusive towards his estranged wife Heather Mills. The legendary musician issued a statement through his lawyers after a series of stunning claims were revealed in leaked court papers.

The 64-year-old seemed to indicate the extent of his feelings by confessing he would "very much like to respond in public and in detail". His representatives say the singer "recognises, on advice, that the only correct forum for his response is in the current divorce proceedings," however.

Lady McCartney's accusations are detailed in a 13-page court document she filed in response to her husband's divorce petition. In it she alleges that, during their four-year marriage, he used illegal drugs and assaulted her repeatedly. In one incident he is said to have pushed her over a coffee table, while in another she says he stabbed her with a broken wine glass.

Paul's friends have been quick to rally around the veteran musician, with big names like Max Clifford and Cilla Black publicly declaring their incredulity. Lawyers representing Heather, who appeared on the daytime show City Hospital on Wednesday, say she is prepared to defend her claims in court, though. "She stands by everything that has been filed on her behalf and intends to prove its truth in due course, should this be necessary," affirmed a representative for law firm Mischon de Reya.