Corrie star in child sex probe

CHARGES . . . Oldham Theatre Workshop-trained Michael Le Vell has been charged with child sex offences.

CORONATION Street star Michael Le Vell has been charged with child sex offences dating back up to 11 years.

The father of two (48), better known by millions as Street mechanic Kevin Webster, faces 19 charges including raping a child, indecently assaulting a child and sexual activity with a child.

Le Vell — real name Michael Turner — was first arrested in September 2011 and questioned over alleged child sex offences. The matter was dropped three months later.

Late last night police reported that the Hale-dwelling actor, who trained at Oldham Theatre Workshop and formerly lived in Saddleworth, had been charged with sex offences against a youngster after a review of evidence by lawyers from the Crown Prosecution Service.

A police spokeswoman said: “The charges, which were authorised by the CPS following a review of evidence, relate to offences against a child between 2001 and 2010.”

Le Vell will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on February 27.

Alison Levitt, QC, principal legal adviser to the director of public prosecutions, reviewed a file of evidence and the previous decision not to prosecute.

Ms Levitt said: “I have concluded there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to charge Michael Robert Turner with a number of sexual offences. As proceedings are now active, it would be inappropriate to say anything further.”

The actor thanked police, “Coronation Street” staff and the public for their support after the initial charges against him were dropped.

After a short break from the soap he returned and is currently involved in one of the main storylines involving battered husband Tyrone Dobbs.

Le Vell is one of TV’s most famous faces, having played Kevin Webster for 30 years.

The actor split from his wife Janette Beverley last year.