Michael Le Vell
Coronation Street star Michael Le Vell has been charged
with 19 child sex offences in Britain.
The 48-year-old actor, who plays Kevin Webster in the
long-running soap, has been accused of raping a child,
indecently assaulting a child and sexual activity with a
child, the BBC reports.
Police reportedly charged him under his real name Michael
Turner.
He is scheduled to appear in court in Manchester on February
27.
Alison Levitt QC said she had carefully reviewed the evidence
in the case before concluding it was in the public interest
to charge the actor with child sex offences.
"I have authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Mr
Turner with nineteen offences, including rape of a child.
"Mr Turner has now been charged with criminal offences and
has a right to a fair trial. It is vital that nothing is
said, or reported, which could prejudice that trial."
Le Vell has been on Coronation Street since 1983.
His character is well known for his tempestuous marriage with
Sally, played by Sally Dynevor, which was eventually broken
up by an affair.
Former Coronation Street actor Andrew Lancel was also charged
with child sex offences in December.
The 42-year-old, charged under his real name Andrew
Watkinson, is accused of five counts of indecent assault on a
child under 16, police said.
Lancel, from Gateacre in Liverpool, was best known for his
appearance as Frank Foster on the soap.
- nzherald.co.nz
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.