Leaving court following a seven-day trial that saw him branded a love cheat and an alcoholic, he smiled as he said: “I might go and have a drink now"
Jubilant Corrie star Michael Le Vell punched the air in triumph after being cleared of child sex abuse charges today – and immediately vowed to celebrate.
Leaving court following a seven-day trial that saw him branded a love cheat and an alcoholic, he smiled as he said: “I might go and have a drink now.”
The actor’s life had been torn apart for two years by claims he raped and sexually abused a child.
But jurors took just four hours to find him innocent of all charges.
As they returned from their deliberations, Le Vell anxiously clutched a picture of his father, who died of lung cancer in 1984.
He listened intently as the not guilty verdicts were announced before slumping forward and putting his hand to his head.
Then he nodded to the jury and mouthed the words “Thank you”.
His three sisters collapsed in tears as fans applauded from the public gallery, while one of the star’s minders said: “F****** get him out of there – now”.
Later Le Vell, in a grey suit and pink striped tie, waved to cheering well-wishers outside Manchester crown court as he told of his relief.
He said: “I am delighted, obviously. It’s a weight off everyone’s shoulders.”
He added: “I would just like to thank my fantastic legal team, the family for their support, security, and I would like to thank ITV for their continued support throughout this traumatic time for all of us, and I would like to say thank you all for being patient.
Asked when he would return to the soap to continue his 30-year role as garage mechanic Kevin Webster, he said: “I don’t know, I might have a holiday first. I’ll have to have a chat with my boss.”
His girlfriend Blanca Fouche celebrated his acquittal at their local pub, the Railway, in Hale, Manchester.
She said: “This is the verdict we knew would come. I always knew Michael was innocent.”
Fans shouted: “Well done, Kevin!” as the star was ushered into a car and whisked away from the court by his family and legal team.
And minutes later, just before 4pm, Le Vell made good his promise to treat himself to a drink by popping into the bar at the city’s Victoria and Albert hotel, where he ordered a pint of Becks lager.
Last night he was still celebrating with family and friends, as a pal revealed: “He’s just so happy it’s all over.
The friend added: “He feels it is two years of his life that he will never get back. He still can’t understand why this has happened to him.
“The case should never have been brought. He has been accused of the most appalling crimes, and believes he should never have been named in the first place.
"It’s been horrific, but now he can get his life back on track.”
Le Vell, 48, who was cleared of all 12 charges against him had always strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
His alleged victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was not in court to hear the not guilty verdicts.
The youngster, described by the prosecution as “bubbly, lovely, naive” – had earlier sobbed from behind a curtain as she told the jury that Le Vell raped her while she clutched a teddy bear.
She alleged he had abused her from the age of six until she was 14.
But her claims were dismissed after being described as “inconsistent, incoherent and unbelievable”.
If found guilty, Le Vell could have faced a sentence of life imprisonment.
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