William Roache has been found not guilty of historic sex abuse charges.
The veteran ‘Coronation Street’ star – who was on trial for four counts of indecent assault and two rapes against girls under the age of 16 between 1965 and 1971 – was acquitted of all charges at Preston Crown Court today (06.02.14) in a unanimous verdict from the jury.
The 81-year-old actor, who plays Ken Barlow in the long-running ITV soap, had been accused of assaulting the women in the dressing rooms and toilets of Granada Studios in Manchester, where ‘Coronation Street’ was once filmed, and in his car.
One alleged victim further claimed she was raped twice at his homes in Lancashire.
William has maintained his innocence since he was first arrested on sexual assault charges in May 2013.
The actor – who has starred in ‘Corrie’ since its first episode in December 1960 – hasn’t been seen in the award-winning soap since the charges were brought against him, with his last episode airing on April 29, 2013.
ITV bosses previously stated they won’t make a decision about William’s future on the show until the end of the trial, which has been ongoing since January.
William Roache cleared of all charges
