Shane Richie Pleads Not Guilty to Drink-Driving Charge

On September 9, actor Shane Richie (legal name Shane Roche) appeared via video link at Colchester Magistrates’ Court. After confirming his details, he entered a not-guilty plea to a single drink-driving charge. Deputy District Judge Christopher Maynard granted unconditional bail and set a full-day trial for 17 November 2027 at the same court.

Mirror - UKShane Richie enters plea after drink-driving charge following ‘petrol station row’ The IndependentShane Richie pleads not guilty in court and faces trial BBC NewsManchester Evening NewsEastEnders star Shane Richie pleads not guilty to being almost double drink driving limit after police were called 'when he argued with petrol station staff over vaping'

Police were called to a Tesco petrol station on Church Langley Way, Harlow, Essex, shortly before midnight on July 29. Officers found Richie’s white Hyundai on the forecourt; staff said he was arguing about a vape device and appeared to have a flat tyre. He was arrested on-site and taken to Harlow police station for testing.

EastEnders star Shane Richie pleads not guilty to being almost double drink driving limit after police were called 'when he argued with petrol station staff over vaping'

• Breath-test result recorded: 65 µg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath (multiple outlets).

EastEnders star Shane Richie pleads not guilty to being almost double drink driving limit after police were called 'when he argued with petrol station staff over vaping'

• Legal limit in England and Wales: 35 µg per 100 ml of breath.

Manchester Evening News

• A Daily Mail report cited 55 µg per 100 ml, creating a discrepancy.

Manchester Evening News

Deputy District Judge Maynard noted the need for Richie to appear in person and to stay in contact with his legal team.

The Independent

Raj Chada, head of criminal defence at Hodge Jones & Allen, issued a statement on Richie’s behalf:

Mirror - UK

> “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.” — Mr Chada

Mirror - UK

Petrol-station staff said Richie was told he could not vape on the forecourt due to fire-risk concerns. Video from the site shows him holding a vape, replying “It’s not smoking” and later “I don’t give a f*” when asked to stop. Police arrived at 11:15 pm on July 29**, arrested him, and conducted a roadside breath test; a second test was later performed at the station.

EastEnders star Shane Richie pleads not guilty to being almost double drink driving limit after police were called 'when he argued with petrol station staff over vaping'

• Breath-test value: Most sources (BBC, Independent, Mirror) report 65 µg, while the Daily Mail mentions 55 µg.

EastEnders star Shane Richie pleads not guilty to being almost double drink driving limit after police were called 'when he argued with petrol station staff over vaping'

• Cause of the stop: Reports vary on whether vaping, a suspected flat tyre, or a prior tip prompted the arrest. Police have not clarified which factor triggered the stop.

EastEnders star Shane Richie pleads not guilty to being almost double drink driving limit after police were called 'when he argued with petrol station staff over vaping'

Richie remains on unconditional bail pending the 17 November 2027 trial and must appear in person. No further official comments have been released by Richie or his representatives.

Mirror - UK

• “Police attended a Tesco petrol station in Church Langley Way at 11.15pm on July 29 where Richie was arrested and taken to Harlow police station.” — Prosecutor Vladimir Silea

Shane Richie pleads not guilty in court and faces trial

• “My client is not commenting at this time because criminal proceedings are active.” — Hodge

BBC News