My ‘dark secret’ was not child rape: Le Vell

Coronation Street star Michael Le Vell told a jury that his “little dark secrets” were a string of one–night stands - not the sexual abuse of a young girl.

The soap actor’s private life has been laid bare in court as he admitted being an alcoholic, having one–night stands and an affair — as his wife underwent chemotherapy for breast cancer.

But the 48 year old, who has played garage mechanic Kevin Webster in the ITV soap for 30 years, denies he is a child rapist as he defends himself against 12 charges of sexual abuse.

Continuing his cross–examination at Manchester Crown Court by Eleanor Laws QC, prosecuting, Le Vell told the jury of a conversation he had with someone last year about “secrets”, revealing “a few” one–night stands.

Le Vell, whose real name is Michael Turner, denies five counts of rape, three of indecent assault, two counts of sexual activity with a child and two of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

The victim, who cannot be named, claims Le Vell repeatedly sexually assaulted and raped her, once while she was clutching a teddy bear.

Miss Laws said: “I am going to suggest to you that the secret is not the one–night stands but something far more sinister.”

“No,” said Le Vell. “I totally disagree.”

Le Vell told the court he is an alcoholic, drinking seven or eight pints every night at his local pub.

Ms Laws continued: “Because something was troubling you?”

Le Vell replied: “No, I went out every night because I’m working class.”

The actor said his wife had allowed him to go out every night.

“I suggest you were finding it difficult to live with yourself,” Ms Laws said, “Once this abuse started, you just could not stop yourself.”

Le Vell replied: “No. Absolutely not.”

Ms Laws: “You led quite a charmed life until September, 2011?”

Le Vell agreed he led a “luxury, charmed life because of my job”.

Ms Laws went on: “Luxury but troubled because something was eating you up?”

“No,” Le Vell said.

Ms Laws put it to Le Vell that he groomed the victim and gradually “pushed the limits”.

“Not that you were not ashamed about this but you could not stop it?” Ms Laws said.

Le Vell replied: “It never happened.”

Judge Michael Henshell told the jury of eight women and four men that his intention was for the two barristers to deliver their closing speeches today.