Shane Richie will face trial on 17 November 2027 after pleading not guilty to a single charge of drink-driving. The 62-year-old actor, whose legal name is Shane Roche, is known for playing Alfie Moon in EastEnders since 2002.
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Police arrested Richie at the Tesco petrol station forecourt in the Church Langley area of Harlow, Essex, shortly before 23:20 on 29 July. The charge sheet records the vehicle involved as a Hyundai IX35 GDI style 2WD.
Prosecuting solicitor Vladimir Silea told the court Richie was taken to a police station in Harlow and subsequently charged after breath tests recorded 65 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The charge sheet describes that reading as exceeding the prescribed limit and as almost double the legal amount.
Richie attended Colchester Magistrates' Court by video link from a hotel room, confirming only his name, address and plea. He was granted unconditional bail to await the trial date.
Raj Chada, head of criminal defence at Hodge, Jones & Allen, issued a statement on Richie's behalf. He 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."
The case will return to Colchester Magistrates' Court on 17 November 2027 for trial, at which the breath reading and the circumstances of the arrest at the Tesco filling station in Church Langley will be considered. Richie remains on unconditional bail pending that hearing.
