15/02/2013

Corrie Actor Charged With Child Rape

Michael Le Vell, the actor who plays Kevin Webster in the soap Coronation Street, has been charged with a series of sex offences, including child rape.

The 48-year-old actor is facing a total of 19 charges, which also include indecently assaulting a child and sexual activity with a child, alleged to have occurred between 2001 and 2010.

The charges follow a review of a decision not to prosecute Mr Le Vell following allegations made against him in 2011.

Alison Levitt QC, principal legal adviser to the Director of Public Prosecutions, said: "I have very carefully reviewed the evidence in this case and I have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to charge Michael Robert Turner with a number of sexual offences.

"I have authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Mr Turner with 19 offences, including rape of a child.

Mr Le Vell, whose real name is Michael Turner, is due before magistrates in Manchester on 27 February.

(H)

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