William Roache arrives at court for trial

Ilkeston born Coronation Street star William Roache has arrived at Preston Crown Court today ahead of his trial.
Coronation Street actor William Roache who plays Ken Barlow, arrives with his son James at Preston Crown Court.Coronation Street actor William Roache who plays Ken Barlow, arrives with his son James at Preston Crown Court.
Coronation Street actor William Roache who plays Ken Barlow, arrives with his son James at Preston Crown Court.

The 81-year-old veteran soap star is accused of committing historic sexual offences against five girls.

He was arrested at his home in Wilmslow, Cheshire, last May and later charged with two counts of raping a 15-year-old girl in East Lancashire in 1967.

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A month later he was additionally charged with five indecent assaults involving four girls aged between 11 or 12 and 16, allegedly committed in the Manchester area between 1965 and 1968.

Roache had pleaded not guilty to the seven counts he faces and in a statement said he “strenuously” denies the charges.

The world’s longest-serving soap actor, who plays Ken Barlow, has not appeared in the programme while the legal proceedings are ongoing.

The trial at Preston Crown Court is scheduled to last up to four weeks.

Keep checking www.ilkestonadvertiser.co.uk for the latest from Preston Crown Court.