William Tyrell investigation: When guilt is (unfairly) presumed instead of innocence.

Everyone assumed he was guilty. Now he’s been cleared.

William and Margaret Spedding, whose home was searched by police this week in connection with the case of missing three-year-0ld William Tyrell, have defended themselves in an exclusive interview with Nine News.

Reporter Chris O’Keefe spoke with the couple today about the toll the investigation has taken on them and the support they have received from family and friends.

William “Bill” Spedding, a 63-year-old tradesman, told the program he and his wife were “cooperating with the police fully” but were “close to a nervous breakdown” as a result of the intense media scrutiny of the case.

The pair, from Bonny Hills in mid-North New South Wales, reiterated that although the past week has been “difficult”, they wanted to thank their family and friends for “the overwhelming support we have received over this time”.

Margaret also revealed she was concerned about their three grandchilden, to whom they are carers.

“The children I’m worried about – because it affects them too,” she said during the interview.

On Wednesday, the couple had their home searched in connection with the high profile case of missing three-year-old William Tyrell.

The couple’s business in the nearby town of Laurieton was also raided by police this week after it emerged Spedding had been hired to do repairs at the house from which little William disappeared.

The couple left their home while the search was underway for a period of two days and have remained silent on the issue until now.

Tradesman William Spedding’s character has come under fire by the media this week after Spedding was questioned by police earlier this week, leading people to assume he was a suspect in the case.

Police have today confirmed he is not a suspect. Spedding’s wife Margaret was also called into questioning.

Related content: William Tyrell is still missing.

The couple are renting their property, and the home was searched following the information that there was a series of tunnels and cavity-like structures under the house, Nine News reports.

The police searched the area and drained the septic tank, and have sent items to forensic testing, which may take weeks.

The couple’s family have voiced their support of the couple, and have taken to social media to praise the character of the pair.