Closing speeches in Le Vell trial

Closing speeches in the trial of Coronation Street actor Michael Le Vell are set to be heard today.

The actor, who has played garage mechanic Kevin Webster in the ITV1 soap for 30 years, is being tried under his real name Michael Turner at Manchester Crown Court.

He is accused of sexually assaulting and raping a young girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Le Vell, 48, denies five counts of rape, three of indecent assault, two counts of sexual activity with a child, and two of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Le Vell’s case is due to be back in court for closing speeches from barristers before the judge is expected to sum up the trial and the jury retires to consider its verdicts.