06/02/2014

Corrie Actor Cleared Of Historic Sex Offences

Coronation street actor Bill Roache, 81, has been cleared of historic sex offences, it has been reported.

Roache, 81, was found not guilty of two counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault at Preston Court today.

Outside the court Roache told reporters: "I would like to thank all of those who have supported me during this situation First and foremost ITV Granada. I thank them for their loyalty and support all the way through.

"I would like to thank my management Champions UK without whom this would not have been possible and in particular John Hayes who has shown himself to be so much more than just a good friend.

"I would like to thank my legal team Louise Blackwell and Julie Warburton and Cartwright King and of course my family who you have seen.

"I would like to thank my colleagues and friends who supported me through this and all those people who I don't even know who have sent me great support through all this.

"I would like to thank James and the Circle of Love for their love and energy that has brought me to this place and this time and I look forward to being with them on Friday night.

"I have just got one thing to say, in these situations there are no winners and I think we should all be much kinder to ourselves. Now if you excuse me I would like to get back to work."

(CSV/CD)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

13 March 2009
Fewer Homeless Young People In 'Bed And Breakfast'
National figures just released have show that the number of vulnerable young 16 and 17-year-olds being housed in 'bed and breakfast' accommodation has fallen by 40% over the last year.
07 June 2013
William Roache Charged With Five Counts Of Indecent Assault
William Roache has been charged with five counts of indecent assault against four girls aged between 12 and 16 during the 1960s. This is in addition to two previous charges brought in May of raping a 15-year-old girl in 1967.
14 January 2014
William Roache In Court On Sexual Offence Charges
William Roache is in court accused of counts of historical sexual offences. The 81-year-old Coronation Street actor is standing trial on two counts of raping a 15-year-old girl in East Lancashire in 1967. He "strenuously" denies the charges.
10 June 2013
January Trial Date For Actor Bill Roache
January 13 has been set as the trial date for Coronation Street actor Bill Roache. 81-year-old Roache faces 7 charges of historical sexual abuse, including two counts of rape against a 15-year-old and five counts of indecent assault against four girls aged between 11 and 16.
02 May 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.