AN Oxford academic was yesterday told he would not face criminal charges over the death of his best friend.

Dr Devinder Sivia, 49, was arrested originally on suspicion of murder following the death of Professor Steven Rawlings at the Sikh’s home in Laurel Drive in Southmoor in January.

Prof Rawlings, a world-renowned astrophysicist who had previously suffered psychiatric problems, had collapsed and died following a struggle between the two men on January 11.

Detectives and the Crown Prosecution Service yesterday cleared Dr Sivia of any foul play.

The Oxford Mail understands Prof Rawlings collapsed after Dr Sivia, a St John’s College mathematician, grabbed his 50-year-old friend to restrain him during the incident.

Prof Rawlings’ wife Linda, who was out of the country at the time, yesterday repeated previous statements clearing Dr Sivia of any responsibility.

The initial post mortem examination failed to conclusively prove how Prof Rawlings, of Letcombe Regis, died and detectives kept Dr Sivia on police bail as they continued their enquiries.

Detectives would not yesterday say what other evidence they had presented to the Crown Prosecution Service but it led to Dr Sivia being told he would not be facing any chages.

Oxfordshire coroner Nicholas Gardiner will now hold an inquest and yesterday Dr Sivia — who co-wrote Foundations of Science Mathematics with his friend of 30 years — said he could not comment before that hearing.

Det Supt Rob Mason, from Thames Valley Police’s major crime unit, said: “It is normal process for us to submit a file to the CPS for consideration following an investigation such as this.

“We fully support and respect the decision made by the CPS to take no further action. The circumstances of Professor Rawlings’ death will now by fully examined at a future Coroner’s Court hearing.

“Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Professor Rawlings at this time.”

Baljit Ubhey, chief crown prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern CPS, said: “I received a file from Thames Valley Police, have considered all the evidence, and have decided that the 49-year-old man will not face any charges in relation to the death of Steven Rawlings.”

Mrs Rawlings said: “I am satisfied with the decision made by the Crown Prosecution Service that there will be no criminal charges brought.”

Yesterday neighbours of Dr Sivia in Laurel Drive also spoke of their relief at the decision.

Donald Viney said: “It appeared to be more serious than perhaps it was – it’s a genuinely sad case.

“I’m pleased to hear the news. He is quiet and doesn’t have a lot to do with people but we have stopped and spoken in the road.

“I’m pleased to hear it has ended up the way it has.”

Another neighbour said when he saw TV satellite trucks parked in front of Dr Sivia’s house he thought “the world had come to an end”.

He added: “It was a surprise more than anything. He seems like a very nice chap. He always speaks to me and I’m glad to hear he’s not guilty of anything.”