Twitter user arrested over Le Vell victim tweet

A 23-year-old man from Greater Manchester has been arrested over allegations that he used Twitter to name the alleged victim in Coronation Street actor Michael Le Vell’s ongoing child sex case.

The man was questioned by police today under suspicion of publishing information that would identify someone who should be anonymous. He has now been released on bail pending further inquiries, the Daily Mail reports.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Bridge from Greater Manchester Police commented: “Maintaining the anonymity of victims of sex offences is absolutely vital and is something that really helps encourage them to come forward.

“Breaching this ruling is an extremely serious offence and that is why we launched an investigation as soon as we became aware. Social media is an immensely powerful tool that does an awful lot of good, but it can also be used to spread rumour, speculation and in this case break the law.

“As a force, GMP embraces the use of social media, but when it is abused in this way we will take robust action to hold those responsible to account.”

The tweet was reportedly made on Wednesday and contained personal information and opinion about the alleged victim.

Le Vell, who has played Weatherfield mechanic Kevin Webster since 1983, is facing 19 charges which include raping a child and indecent assault of a child. He is due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday 20th March.

[Written by Staff Reporter]