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Coro Street star in court on child sex offences

Coronation Street star Michael Le Vell has made his first court appearance over alleged child sex offences.

The actor, who plays mechanic Kevin Webster on the popular soap, was tearful as he left the court in Manchester. The 48-year-old has been charged with 19 offences, including seven counts of sexual activity with a child. The alleged offences took place between 2001 and 2010 and relate to one complainant, the court was told.

Michael, who appeared under his real name Michael Turner, reportedly spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

The actor was given bail, and will appear at Manchester Crown Court on March 20. The father-of-two has denied the offences and has vowed to “fight [the charges] vigorously”.

Coronation Street bosses have said the actor will not appear in any episodes while legal proceedings are ongoing. Last month, his co-star William Roache (Ken Barlow) defended Michael on Kiwi radio station Classic Hits.

“In my view you’re innocent until you’re until proven guilty. But what happens here – anyone can make an allegation and you’re immediately arrested and all that, and your name is vilified in the papers,” William said.

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