Michael Le Vell, the Coronation Street actor, has appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court today, charged with child sex offences. Le Vell, whose real name is Michael Turner, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth, the Daily mail reports. Four of his family members sat at the rear of the courtroom, on seats usually reserved for officials, as the public gallery was full of media reporters.

Le Vell has played the role of car mechanic Kevin Webster in the popular ITV soap for over 30 years. The show’s bosses have confirmed that he will not appear in future episodes until the legal proceedings are no longer under way. The 48 year-old actor denies the charges that have been brought against him. He is accused of six counts of raping a child, six allegations of indecently assaulting a child and seven counts of sexual activity with a child. The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2001 and 2010 and all charges relate to just one complainant.

The actor – who was originally accused of these charges in 2011 but cleared – has been bailed on the condition that he surrenders his passport. He is also not allowed unsupervised contact with any child under the age of 14 and is not allowed to contact any of the named witnesses. He will appear at Manchester Crown Court on March 20, 2013. 

Michael Le Vell

Michael Le Vell, accused of child sex offences