Coronation Street’s Bill Roache on trial today; charged with multiple sex offences against young girls

The trial of Coronation Street's Bill Roache, who is accused of two counts of rape and five indecent assaults against young girls, starts today.

roache

by Kayleigh Dray |
Published on

The actor, who plays Ken Barlow on the popular soap, has been charged with raping and assaulting girls under the age of 16 in the 1960s…

The soap star, who plays Ken Barlow in the ITV show, was arrested in May 2013 and later charged with two counts of raping a 15-year-old girl in 1967.

A month later he was also charged with five indecent assaults involving four girls aged between 11 and 16-years-old, allegedly committed between 1965 and 1968.

When he was charged, the 81-year-old actor issued the following statement:

"I strenuously deny the allegations and will now focus my full attention on fighting to preserve my innocence in the challenging times ahead."

Bill as Ken Barlow, alongside on-screen wife Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride)
Bill as Ken Barlow, alongside on-screen wife Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride)

"I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all those people who have offered me their support and good wishes at this difficult time."

Roache later formally pleaded not guilty to all of the allegations made against him.

The actor, who has not appeared in Coronation Street since legal proceedings began, has been on bail since his arrest.

The trial could last up to four weeks. We will keep you updated as it continues.

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