EastEnders star Shane Richie, 62, pleads not guilty to drink-driving after ‘foul-mouthed petrol station row’

EASTENDERS star Shane Richie has pleaded not guilty to drink-driving after he allegedly told petrol station staff to “f**k off” in a row.

The actor, who plays Alfie Moon on the BBC soap, was held on July 29 after the alleged incident at a Tesco garage in Harlow, Essex.

Richie could be heard in footage obtained by The Sun saying “f*** off” and “I don’t give a “f***” after being told vaping there was dangerous.

The 62-year-old – real name Shane Roche – appeared via videolink at Colchester Magistrates’ Court today for a hearing.

The court heard Richie was almost double the drink-drive limit when he was breathalysed.

Vladimir Silea, prosecuting, said the actor was arrested and taken to Harlow police station.

Once there, officers “commenced the drink and drug driving procedure” and a reading of 65 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath was allegedly provided – the legal limit being 35mg.

Richie spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address and to enter his plea of not guilty during today’s hearing.

He briefly dropped off the video-link and when the connection was re-established, he told the judge: “Sorry, I’m in a hotel up north.”

Deputy District Judge Christopher Maynard bailed Richie until November 17, 2027, when he is due to stand trial at the same court.

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At the end of the hearing, Richie said “take care, bye bye” before disconnecting from the link.

If convicted, drink-driving carries a maximum six months in jail.

The Sun told how Richie drove his white Hyundai — apparently with a flat tyre — on to the empty forecourt at around 11.20pm.

Staff warned him he could not smoke but he replied “it’s not smoking, it’s a vape“, it is understood.

A worker told the star he was recording their exchange, saying: “I have to get it on video for the police. That is a vape and that’s a risk in this petrol station.”

Richie then replied: “What, you’re filming me? All right, I’m going to film you.”

As he walked back to his car, he told staff: “This is not a vape.”

Richie then allegedly fired back “f**k off. Yeah, I don’t give a f**k” when told vaping poses a “risk” in a petrol station.

Although it is not illegal to vape on a garage forecourt, companies forbid it due to a fire risk.

Essex Police said: “Officers were called to reports of a suspected drink-driver in Church Langley Way, Harlow, shortly before 11.20pm on Wednesday July 29.

“On arrival, officers arrested a man. A charge of drink-driving has subsequently been authorised against Shane Roche, 62, of Surrey.

“He is due to appear at Colchester magistrates’ court on Wednesday September 9.”