Soap star bailed on sex charges

STRAIN: actor Michael LeVell leaves court

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Coronation Street star Michael Le Vell has made his first appearance in court accused of child-sex offences.

The star, who plays car mechanic Kevin Webster in the ITV soap, appeared at Manchester magistrates’ court yesterday under his real name, Michael Turner.

The 48 year old has been charged with 19 offences, including six counts of rape, six of indecent assault and seven of sexual activity, all with the same child between 2001 and 2010.

During the eight-minute hearing, Le Vell spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

Four members of his family took up seats usually reserved for officials since the public gallery was packed with members of the media.

Le Vell’s solicitor, Richard Gowthorpe, said the charges will be fully contested, though entered no plea on Le Vell’s behalf. The case was adjourned until March 20.

Le Vell was bailed but ordered to surrender his passport, not to contact named witnesses and not to have unsupervised contact with any child under the age of 14.

The actor nodded to the judge when asked if he understood the conditions, and made no comment as he left court.