Defemation of Character - DO I HAVE A CASE?

I worked for a major bank for 18 years, moving from Branch Manager of a major city then onto the equivalent of Area Manager. I took voluntary redundancy (stress and never seeing my children), paid a redundancy payment of �35,000 which represents my length of service and position. Joined an estate agency where I took over the 'Letting' - increased profitibility by 500% in 12 months but the business closed while on holiday. I was then subjected to CID visiting my home, charging me with theft and searching my house. I was charged with theft - this was great news for a lot of people 'Bank Manager charged with theft' - the accusation was weak and subsequently dropped as it related to properties before my employment with the company. My whole background evolves around a financial nature, trust and honesty - being charged will handicap me from future job prospects. Is there a case of defemation of character - the town I live in is where I was the Branch manager for the Bank hence the backlash