Post by cenydd on Sept 10, 2013 17:16:40 GMT
Coronation Street actor Michael Le Vell has been cleared of a number of child sex abuse charges, including rape.
Mr Le Vell, 48, who plays Kevin Webster in the soap, had denied 12 charges in total, telling the jury he was "fighting for his life".
His accuser, who cannot be named, claimed she was abused from the age of six until she was 14.
Speaking outside court, he thanked his family and ITV for their support. He is now expected to return to the soap.
Mr Le Vell, of Hale, Greater Manchester, was tried at Manchester Crown Court under his real name Michael Turner.
The jury of eight women and four men took just over four hours to return verdicts of not guilty on all counts.
Mr Le Vell, 48, who plays Kevin Webster in the soap, had denied 12 charges in total, telling the jury he was "fighting for his life".
His accuser, who cannot be named, claimed she was abused from the age of six until she was 14.
Speaking outside court, he thanked his family and ITV for their support. He is now expected to return to the soap.
Mr Le Vell, of Hale, Greater Manchester, was tried at Manchester Crown Court under his real name Michael Turner.
The jury of eight women and four men took just over four hours to return verdicts of not guilty on all counts.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-24032449
Clearly those who are engaged in such appalling crimes need to be brought to justice, but I do fear that there is something of a witch hunt and 'trial by media' going on among 'celebrities' at the moment in the wake of the dreadful crimes by a few that have been identified. Hopefully he can now get on with his life and career.