Shane Richie pleads not guilty to drink-driving, trial set for late 2027

Court appearance and not guilty plea

Shane Richie, the actor known for playing Alfie Moon on EastEnders, pleaded not guilty to a charge of drink-driving when he appeared by video-link before Colchester Magistrates' Court on September 9, 2026. Addressing the court under his real name Shane Roche, the 62-year-old confirmed his name, date of birth and address before entering the plea.

Alleged offense and reading

Richie is accused of driving a white Hyundai in Church Langley Way, Harlow, Essex, while above the legal alcohol limit on July 29, 2026. Prosecutor Vladimir Silea told the court that police attended a Tesco petrol station on Church Langley Way at 11.15 p.m. that night, where Richie was arrested and taken to Harlow police station. Officers commenced the drink and drug driving procedure there, with the lower of two breath readings recorded at 65 micrograms of alcohol in 100 milliliters of breath, above the legal limit of 35 micrograms.

Courtroom exchange

During the hearing, Richie briefly dropped off the video-link. When the connection was re-established, he apologized to the bench, saying: "Sorry, I'm in a hotel up north." Deputy District Judge Christopher Maynard bailed Richie, of Tadworth, Surrey, and adjourned the case for trial.

Next court date

Richie was bailed until November 17, 2027, when he is due to stand trial at the same court. As the plea was entered at a magistrates' court hearing, the case is now set for a full trial at Colchester Magistrates' Court on that date, unless proceedings are transferred elsewhere.

Background on the actor

Outside EastEnders, Richie finished fourth on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2020 and has hosted game shows for the BBC, as well as appearing regularly in pantomime productions. No prior drink-driving convictions are referenced in the available reporting.