'Keep rape suspects anonymous': Coronation Street star Michael Le Vell calls for law changes after being cleared of child sex allegations

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By Mary Mcconnell


Last updated at 9:58 AM on 8th January 2012



Soap actor Micheal Le Vell says the law should be changed following allegations he sexually abused a six-year-old girl.


Even though police dropped their investigation into the sex abuse claims, the 47-year-old star had his world torn apart following his arrest and it even left him contemplating suicide.


Le Vell told The People it was wrong to name someone accused of sexually abusing a child until they have been convicted and he feared being at the centre of a whispering campaign for the rest of his life.



Cleared: Coronation Street actor Michael Le Vell has demanded the law in relation to child sex abuse suspects be changed

Cleared: Coronation Street actor Michael Le Vell has demanded the law in relation to child sex abuse suspects be changed



'Saying I raped a kid, it's just horrific,' Le Vell said. 'It has been worse for me because I'm well-known, I'm high-profile.




'I'm thrilled the allegations have been dropped but I'll always have this with me.'


Police raided Le Vell's home in Hale, Greater Manchester, in September after a teenager claimed he had abused her when she was six years old.


British law allows victims of an alleged offence to remain anonymous for life, but anonymity does not extent to those accused and Le Vell's arrest was instantly made public, hitting headlines across the country.


The allegations have taken a toll on the actor's personal life and he has since split from his wife of 25 years, Janette Beverley. Le Vell left the marital home in October and moved in with relatives while the investigation continued. He finally received the happy news that all charges against him had been dropped while he was on holiday in America.


Split: Following the sex abuse allegations Michael and his wife Janette Beverley have gone their separate ways

Split: Following the sex abuse allegations Michael and his wife Janette Beverley have gone their separate ways



Surprisingly, Le vell, who plays mechanic Kevin Webster in the ITV soap, says he bears no ill-will towards the teenager who accused him of the horrific crime. Instead he told The People that his only grievance lies with the law.


The actor also praised his bosses and fellow cast members at Coronation Street for their support throughout the three-month investigation. Last week Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle Connor, tweeted: 'Fantastic news about Michael Le Vell having all charges dropped! I hope they make as much of this news as they did about condemning him.'


Since being arrested Le Vell, whose real name is Michael Turner, vowed to do everthing in his power to clear his name.


Nazir Afzal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS North West Area, confirmed that the investigation had been dropped as there was insufficient evidence to charge the star.


He said: 'I have decided that Michael Robert Turner will not face any charges in relation to allegations of historic sexual assault against a child.


'Following enquiries by Greater Manchester Police I have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to put before a court.


'As there is no realistic prospect of conviction it is therefore only right that the allegations against Mr Turner are prevented from going any further and I have informed the police that they should take no further action against him.'







Source : dailymail

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