Jeremy Irons shares his sympathy for the plight of William Roache
Actor William Roache was in court again today for a preliminary hearing in relation to charges of historical sex offences against five girls. Roache, who “vigorously protest[s] his innocence”, will no doubt be cheered to hear he has the support of fellow actor Jeremy Irons.
The Oscar winner stated: “I feel incredibly sorry for the television guy on Coronation Street” and told yesterday’s The Sunday Times:
“I mean, look at Top Of The Pops. What were those girls doing there? What did they want, the lot of them, when they hung around the caravans and trailers afterwards?”
“There was a sort of sexual freedom. To have all that dragged up for something relatively innocuous – that’s tough. They seem to be in the mood to pillor anyone”.
“Cock Roache”, as William Roache is nicknamed, faces two charges of raping a 15-year old girl in 1967 and indecently assaulting four girls between 11 or 12 and 16 in the 1960s. His case was adjourned until 2nd September and he will face a trial that will commence on 13th January 2014. Perhaps Jeremy Irons will be in the public gallery to support him.
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