Strictly star ‘deliberately’ hit snapper with his car

OLDHAM actor and “Strictly Come Dancing” star Ricky Whittle deliberately knocked down a photographer with his car in frustration, a court heard yesterday.

Whittle had recently split up with “Hollyoak”s co–star Carley Stenson but was giving her and a friend a lift after attending a cast and crew party in Liverpool’s Parr Street Studios last year.

It was 1.30am on November 27 when Whittle used his red American Dodge car to knock down Stephen Farrell, Liverpool Crown Court heard.

Whittle was “working hard and in no mood for the paparazzi to take photographs of him and Miss Stenson together”, said Paul Becker, prosecuting.

So the defendant agreed to collect Miss Stenson and her friend from around the corner when they had lost the paparazzi. But a car full of photographers followed the women into near-by Duke Street where Whittle tried to pick them up.

The jury of five men and seven women heard that Mr Farrell was taking pictures next to Whittle’s left–hand drive Dodge, but not blocking it, when the Dodge suddenly veered to the left, taking off and colliding with him.

CCTV footage of the incident was played in court.

Mr Becker said Whittle believed the photographers were exploiting his relationship with Miss Stenson, adding: “The prosecution’s case is that the defendant, irritated by the presence of the paparazzi, had deliberately turned his wheel to the left in order to vent his frustration towards Mr Farrell.”

He added: “He deliberately turned his wheel to the left, knocking Mr Farrell to the ground.”

The victim sprained his knee and hurt his hand and was later treated at hospital.

Whittle, Miss Stenson and Helen Splaine left the scene but Miss Stenson then phoned a photographer friend to find out what happened because it was obvious there had been some sort of collision.

She learned that Mr Farrell had phoned the police.

The actor who now lives in Billinge, Lancashire, later voluntarily attended at St Helens police station.

The accounts of what he and Mr Farrell told police about the collision were given to the jury.

Mr Becker said: “Ricky Whittle told the police that he said to Farrell, ‘Please can you just give us a break. I’m shattered, I just want to go home. It’s cold, she’s in a dress. Guys, can you just give us a break? We’ve had a hard time of it recently. Can you just let us off this once?’

“Whatever was said did not deter Stephen Farrell from doing his job and taking photographs.”

“The rules of the road apply if you are a celebrity or normal member of the public,” Mr Becker added.

Whittle denies dangerous driving.

The case continues.