Shane Richie entered a not guilty plea on Wednesday to a single count of drink-driving at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, appearing via video link from a hotel room.
The 62-year-old actor, who resides in Tadworth, Surrey, confirmed his identity using his birth name, Shane Roche, along with his address and date of birth before formally denying the charge.
Mr Richie, widely recognised for his long-running portrayal of Alfie Moon in EastEnders since 2002, was arrested at a petrol station in Essex on July 29.
Following his arrest, the actor was transported to a local police station where he was informed that the alcohol level in his system was approximately double the permitted threshold.
Shane Richie entered a not guilty plea to a single count of drink-driving
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He was subsequently released on unconditional bail at the time.
The charge relates to an allegation that Mr Richie drove a white Hyundai along Church Langley Way in Harlow while over the legal alcohol limit.
His breath sample registered 65 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres, nearly twice the prescribed limit of 35 micrograms in England and Wales.
Prosecutor Vladimir Silea told the court that officers were called to a Tesco petrol station on Church Langley Way at approximately 11.15pm on July 29.
Footage reportedly captured Mr Richie in a heated dispute with staff at the forecourt after being told that vaping posed a safety hazard on the premises.
He was subsequently detained at the petrol station and escorted to Harlow police station, where officers carried out formal drink and drug-driving procedures. The lower of the readings provided was 65 micrograms.
The hearing took a brief unexpected turn when Mr Richie’s video connection to the courtroom was interrupted.
Upon reconnecting, he offered his apologies to the bench, saying: “Sorry, I’m in a hotel up north.”
The actor confirmed only his name, date of birth, address and plea during the appearance
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Deputy District Judge Christopher Maynard granted the actor bail and scheduled his trial for November 17, 2027 at the same court, more than 14 months from Wednesday’s plea hearing.
As the proceedings concluded, Mr Richie signed off from the video link with the words: “Take care, bye bye.”
The actor confirmed only his name, date of birth, address and plea during the appearance, offering no further comment on the allegations against him.
His solicitor, Raj Chada of Hodge Jones & Allen, said: “My client is not commenting at this time because criminal proceedings are active. We ask for his privacy to be respected while the court process takes its course.”
Shane Richie, widely recognised for his long-running portrayal of Alfie Moon in EastEnders since 2002, was arrested at a petrol station in Essex on July 29
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GETTY
Mr Richie has been a fixture on British television for decades, best known for his role in EastEnders but also recognised for presenting game shows and finishing fourth on I’m a Celebrity in 2020.
He has continued working on the BBC soap, having recently been photographed filming scenes for Zoe Slater’s funeral.
Shortly after his arrest in July, reports emerged that the actor had split from his wife Christie Goddard following 19 years of marriage, with their divorce reportedly finalised at the end of that month.
His family home in Surrey was said to have been listed for sale in March.