Corrie actor Bill Roache in court

The Coronation Street star is in court over claims of indecent assault

By Nicole Hamer |

12:54 07 June 2013

Bill Roach, aged 81, is in court on Friday morning, 7th June, 2013, in regards to indecent assault charges.

The actor, who plays Ken Barlow in TV soap Coronation Street, attended Preston Magistrates’ Court.

The five charges relate to four girls between the ages of 12 and 16. The incidents allegedly happened in the 60’s.

A statement from the Lancashire Constabulary read as: “The offences are alleged to have been committed in the Manchester area between 1965 and 1968 and to involve four girls aged between 12 and 16 years at the time.”

Outside of the court Brian Russell stated that the actor will “vigorously protest his innocence”.

The new charges come after Bill Roach, from Cheshire, was charged with two counts of rape last month on 1st May, 2013.

Bill Roach has played character Ken Barlow in the soap, which is based in the north of England, for over 50 years.