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Corrie star will 'fight' charges

Coronation Street actor Michael Le Vell has said he will "fight vigorously" the 19 child sex offences he has been charged with, including one of rape. ITV said he will not be appearing in any further episodes pending the outcome of legal proceedings.

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Michael Le Vell: I am innocent of these charges

I would like to make it quite clear that following the serious allegations that have been brought against me on Thursday 14th February 2013, I am innocent of these charges and intend to fight them vigorously.

I will now put all my efforts into clearing my name and proving my innocence.

I thank my friends, family and fans for their continued support.

I would ask now for time to concentrate on preparing my defence with my legal team.

– Michael Le Vell statement

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Profile: Coronation Street actor Michael Le Vell

Michael Le Vell is best known as the garage mechanic Kevin Webster in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street - a character he has played for 30 years.

Born Michael Turner in Manchester, he landed the role after a short guest appearance as the paperboy Neil Grimshaw.

Le Vell made his first appearance as Kevin in 1983 (just before 19:00 in the video above) when he landed a job as an apprentice in Brian Tilsley's garage.

ITV says of his character: "A no-nonsense garage mechanic who likes an uncomplicated life and his tea on the table when he comes home from work."

He has also appeared in the TV shows One by One, Fame is the Spur and The Last Song.

Charges relate to offences between 2001 and 2010

Michael Le Vell was first arrested in September 2011 and questioned over alleged child sex offences, but the matter was later dropped.

However, Greater Manchester Police said the actor, from Hale, Cheshire, had been charged with sex offences against a youngster after a review of evidence by lawyers from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The charges, which were authorised by the CPS following a review of evidence, relate to offences against a child between 2001 and 2010.

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CPS: 'Sufficient evidence to charge' actor

Michael Le Vell, 48, whose real name is Michael Turner, is accused of 19 sex offences including raping a child, indecently assaulting a child and sexual activity with a child.

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.

– Alison Levitt, QC, Principal Legal Advisor to the Director of Public Prosecutions
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