Television actor Shane Richie has been charged with drink-driving following an incident in Essex and is expected to appear before magistrates later this year.
Essex Police said officers responded to reports of a suspected drink-driver in the Church Langley Way area of Harlow shortly before 11:20pm on Wednesday.
After arriving at the scene, officers arrested a man who was later identified as the actor.
Court Date Set for September
According to police, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised a drink-driving charge against the 62-year-old performer, whose legal name is Shane Roche.
Authorities confirmed that Roche, who lives in Tadworth, Surrey, is scheduled to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on 9 September to answer the charge.
Incident Reportedly Took Place at Petrol Station
While police have not released additional details about the circumstances leading to the arrest, reports from The Sun claim the incident unfolded at the forecourt of a Tesco petrol station in Harlow.
Essex Police has not publicly commented on that specific location, but reiterated that officers attended the area after receiving reports of a suspected drink-driver.
Statement From Essex Police
In a statement, the force said officers were called to Church Langley Way shortly before 11:20pm on Wednesday, 29 July, following concerns about a suspected drink-driver.
Police added that a man was arrested at the scene and that a charge of drink-driving was later authorised against Shane Roche, aged 62, from Tadworth, Surrey.
Best Known for Playing Alfie Moon
Richie is widely recognised for portraying the popular character Alfie Moon in the long-running BBC soap EastEnders.
He first joined the programme in 2002 and has remained one of the show‘s most familiar faces through several returns over the years.
Beyond the soap, Richie has enjoyed a long career in British television, comedy and entertainment.
No Public Response Yet From Actor’s Representative
The actor’s representative has been approached for comment, but no public response had been issued at the time of reporting.
The case is expected to proceed when Richie appears before Colchester Magistrates’ Court in September.
