On Wednesday William Roache of Cheshire, England was arrested on two charges of raping a 15-year-old girl in 1967. The soap actor is part of the cast on the popular British program "Coronation Street."
After an investigation, British police felt they hand enough evidence to charge the soap actor with rape. The assault on a 15-year-old girl was said to have happened at least twice in 1967.
According to a statement made by police and published by Reuters prosecutor Nazir Afzal said,
"We have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest for Mr. Roache to be charged with two offenses of rape relating to a girl, aged 15, in 1967."
Reuters also reports the Roache has not made any statements since his arrest. He is expected to appear in a British court May 14.
According to the BBC the police have been investigating William Roache since early March. Prosecutor Afzal said in a statement, "We have been reviewing evidence and providing early investigative advice to Lancashire Police since 1 March."
The SOAP actor accused of rape is known for being a ladies man. The Standard says that the SOAP actor is reported to have boasted about the fact he slept with over 1,000 women.
Reports are saying that SOAP actor William Roache is the first celebrity in Britain to be accused of rape or any other "sex crime" since TV personality Jimmy Savile. After his death it was discovered that Savile had committed numerous "sex crimes." The investigation lead to a number of other celebrities being arrested for similar crimes.
In March Roache appeared on a New Zealand TV show and stated he did not agree with the treatment of those arrested in the Jimmy Savile case.
"If you're accused you are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty," Roache said. "But if you are a celebrity you get pilloried."
The SOAP actor later apologized for his comment.
William Roache (81) stars in "Coronation Street" as Ken Barlow. "Coronation Street" holds the Guinness World Record for longest running SOAP opera. The show was awarded the record in 2010. It first came on the air in 1960. Roache has been a part of the cast since the show began. Barlow also holds a Guinness World Record as the longest serving SOAP actor.
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