Bill Roache bailed following indecent assault charges

Bill Roache has been bailed after yesterday being charged with five counts of indecent assault involving four girls aged between 11 or 12 and 16.

The 81-year old, known to millions for his role of Ken Barlow in ITV’s Coronation Street, was already facing allegations that he raped a girl in the late 1960s.

He will appear at Preston Crown Court on Monday.

On behalf of his client Roache’s lawyer Brian Russell made the following statement:

“Yesterday Mr Roache was interviewed at length in the police station and, as you know, was then charged with five offences of indecent assault. These allegations arose out of the publicity that was generated when Mr Roache was interviewed on May 1 for the offences of rape.

“So during two lengthy police interviews, Mr Roache has fully cooperated with all the questions that the police have had for him in relation to these matters.

“Today we expect those cases to be transferred to the crown court, and there will be another appearance of a short nature on Monday. We expect that later this year or possibly early next year, a jury will be asked to consider if Mr Roache is guilty or not guilty of  those charges.

“Mr Roache looks forward to standing before that jury, where he will vigorously protest his innocence against what he regards as deeply upsetting allegations that have been made against him.”