ROACHE TRIAL: jury out to consider verdict

After a lengthy summing up lasting more than two days, the jury has finally been sent out to consider its verdict in the trial of Ilkeston-born Coronation Street actor William Roache.

By The Newsroom

Published 5th Feb 2014, 12:26 BST

The 81-year-old Roache, now of of Wilmslow, Cheshire, denies two counts of rape and four charges of indecent assault.

The allegations relate to a period between 1965 and 1971 when his accusers were aged 16 and under.

During the trial at Preston Crown Court, Roache was cleared of a further count of indecent assault on Judge Timothy Holroyde’s direction.

The jury has been told not to be “daunted” by the “obvious seriousness” of the case and to ignore emotions, instead employing a “cool-headed appraoch” to their decision based on the evidence.

The trial is continuing.As soon as a verdict is returned, you will be able to find out on this website.

Ilkeston