SH0CK: P0lice Issue Statement on EastEnders Star’s Arrest for Reason That Leaves Viewers Deeply Concerned.
EastEnders star Shane Richie has been charged with drink driving following a heated exchange at a petrol station. The 62-year-old, who plays Alfie Moon, is reported to have become involved in a dispute after being confronted for vaping on the forecourt.
Video footage captures the BBC soap actor being challenged by a member of staff while he was using an e-cigarette. The incident is understood to have occurred shortly after 11pm.
The clip appears to show the agitated actor, dressed in shorts, a dark sweatshirt and red baseball cap, telling an attendant “I don’t give a f***” when cautioned about vaping in the area, the Mirror reports.
The footage, obtained by The Sun, showed Shane appearing visibly angry during the confrontation. It’s reported the manager contacted police about the actor.
He was subsequently arrested for drink-driving and will reportedly appear in court next month.
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Ritchie is said to have driven his white Hyundai onto the Essex forecourt on Wednesday evening, with claims the vehicle had a flat tyre. According to reports, when staff approached the star to inform him that smoking wasn’t permitted, he responded by clarifying it was a vape.
Following a worker’s warning that the incident was being recorded, he allegedly replied: “What, you’re filming me? All right, I’m going to film you.”
However, Richie continued to deny any wrongdoing and is heard shouting: “Not smoking a cigarette.”
While vaping on a garage forecourt isn’t illegal, companies prohibit it due to concerns that electronic devices could produce sparks capable of igniting petrol.
Police informed Richie that staff had suspected he had been drinking prior to getting behind the wheel.
In a statement issued to the Mirror, Essex Police confirmed: “Officers were called to reports of a suspected drink driver in the area of Church Langley Way, Harlow, shortly before 11.20pm on Wednesday 29 July.
“On arrival, officers arrested a man. A charge of drink driving has subsequently been authorised against Shane Roche, 62, of Tadworth, Surrey. He is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 9 September.”
