Back Macca!

Oct 19 2006 By Michelle Fiddler Chief Reporter, Liverpool Echo

THE people of Liverpool should back Sir Paul McCartney in his current troubles, according to one of his oldest associates.

Geoff Baker worked with the ex-Beatle for more than 15 years and formed a close relationship with him.

And today he called on all Liverpudlians to support their "favourite son" after national tabloids peddled critical allegations in the fall-out from his marriage split.

Mr Baker turned down requests for interviews from the London press, but chose to speak directly to the people of Liverpool in the ECHO.

Sir Paul was branded a wife beater in divorce papers presented by Heather Mills, which also allege that he attacked her while she was pregnant and stabbed her with broken glass.

Mr Baker said: "Paul has kept a dignified silence. That is very much his way.

"But I think it is a time his friends stand up in his defence."