Bill Roache bailed on rape charges

Veteran British actor Bill Roache has been bailed until next month (Jun13) after appearing in court on two charges of rape dating back 46 years. The screen star, who has played Ken Barlow in hit U.K. soap opera Coronation Street since 1960, stands accused of attacking a 15 year old in 1967.
He vehemently denied the allegations following his arrest on 1 May (13), and insisted he was “astounded” by the claims.
Roache, 81, made his first trip to Preston Magistrates’ Court in England on Tuesday (14May13) to face the charges, and spoke only to confirm his full name, address and date of birth.
He was granted bail on the condition that he stayed at his home in Cheshire or that of a relative’s in London and that he have no unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 16.
Roache must return to court for a preliminary hearing on 10 June (13).