False accusation of criminal damage

[springruns]

My neighbour has falsely accused me of scratching his car last August during an argument about parking. Apparently he reported it at the time but wouldn’t give a statement but has since changed his mind and given a statement.

Police have asked me to voluntary attend for an interview.

the argument was minor and I haven’t even thought about it since and can’t even remember really details, I certainly didn’t damage his car. Had it been highlighted earlier I could have used cctv to prove I didn’t do this.

whah can I do/what will happen?

He has to prove it happened - I can't imagine the police would be interested without evidence. Which there can't be if you didn't do it.

They’ve asked for an interview to get my side of the story apparently. I’m just confused as to why he’s said this and why it’s taken 9 months

I am very law abiding but I would never set foot in a Police station without a solicitor

@Hoppinggreenas am I. I’ve never had so much as a speeding ticket.
I’ve asked for a duty solicitor to attend as this was offered.

If its to be tried by magistrates there is a time limit of six months from the date of the offence so its out of time.

@JohnofWessexcriminal damage is either way so 6 month LOP does not apply

friend of a friend in a similar position was able to use info on her phone to prove she wasn’t at home ie near neighbours when he claimed damage took place eg/ photos taken in different location, timed transactions on banking apps