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02/05/2013
William Roache Faces Rape Charges
Coronation Street actor William Roache has been charged with two counts of rape.
The charges relate to two historical allegations of rape involving a 15-year-old girl in the 1960s.
Mr Roache is alleged to have committed the crimes in Haslingden, Lancashire, between April and July 1967.
The 81-year-old actor, who has played Ken Barlow in the soap since it started in 1960, was arrested at his home in Cheshire on Wednesday and was charged around 12 hours later.
Chief Crown Prosecutor Nazir Afzal said the evidence against Mr Roache had been "carefully considered".
He added: "We have been reviewing evidence and providing early investigative advice to Lancashire Police since 1 March.
"Having completed our review, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest for Mr Roache to be charged."
An ITV spokesman said the actor would not be appearing in the programme until legal proceedings were concluded.
Roache will appear before Preston magistrates on 14 May.
(JP/CD)
The charges relate to two historical allegations of rape involving a 15-year-old girl in the 1960s.
Mr Roache is alleged to have committed the crimes in Haslingden, Lancashire, between April and July 1967.
The 81-year-old actor, who has played Ken Barlow in the soap since it started in 1960, was arrested at his home in Cheshire on Wednesday and was charged around 12 hours later.
Chief Crown Prosecutor Nazir Afzal said the evidence against Mr Roache had been "carefully considered".
He added: "We have been reviewing evidence and providing early investigative advice to Lancashire Police since 1 March.
"Having completed our review, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest for Mr Roache to be charged."
An ITV spokesman said the actor would not be appearing in the programme until legal proceedings were concluded.
Roache will appear before Preston magistrates on 14 May.
(JP/CD)
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