THE CORONATION STREET actor Michael Le Vell has been charged with 19 sexual offences including the rape of a child.

Le Vell, whose real name Michael Turner, plays garage mechanic Kevin Webster in the soap.

He is due to appear in court later this month where he will face the charges relating to crimes allegedly committed over a nine year period.

In a statement Greater Manchester Police said: “Michael Turner of Byrom Street, Hale, has been charged with 19 offences including raping a child, indecently assaulting a child and sexual activity with a child.”

The 48-year-old is accused carrying out the offences between 2001 and 2010. The announcement follows a review of a decision not to prosecute the soap star a year ago following allegations made in 2011.

Alison Levitt QC, principal advisor to the Director of Public Prosecutions in the UK, said she had “carefully reviewed” the evidence and concluded that there was “sufficient evidence” and that it was “in the public interest” to charge Le Vell.

Le Vell, who has been one of Coronation Street’s longest-serving performers, is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 27 February 2013.

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