Richie's Drink-Driving Charge
EastEnders Star Shane Richie Charged with Drink-Driving After Harlow Petrol Station Confrontation
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Police were called to Church Langley Way in Harlow shortly before 11:20 p.m. on 29 July after reports of a suspected drink-driver, Essex Police said.
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Richie was driving a white Hyundai and is reported to have arrived at the Tesco forecourt with what appeared to be a flat tyre, travelling alone.
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Video footage shows him arguing with staff near the pumps, with him declaring on camera that ‘It’s not smoking’ and later insisting ‘This is not a vape’ as staff warned of the risk around fuels.
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A petrol-station manager phoned police following concerns he was being aggressive, and staff on site filmed the confrontation as it unfolded on the forecourt.
EastEnders actor Shane Richie has been charged with drink-driving after a late-night row at a Tesco petrol station in Harlow, Essex, according to Essex Police. The 62-year-old, real name Shane Roche and best known for playing Alfie Moon on the BBC soap since 2002, was arrested shortly before 11:20 p.m. on July 29 and is due in court on September 9.
The incident began when staff confronted Richie for vaping near the fuel pumps — a safety hazard on any petrol forecourt. What followed was a filmed argument, a call to police, and an arrest that has since made national headlines, Digital Spy reported.
Vaping Row at the Pumps Sparked the Arrest
Richie arrived at the Church Langley Way Tesco forecourt driving a white Hyundai, reportedly with a flat tyre. Staff quickly flagged that he was vaping near the fuel pumps and warned him of the safety risk. Richie pushed back. On camera, he said: "It's not smoking" and later insisted "This is not a vape," according to MyLondon.
The petrol station manager called police, citing concerns that Richie was being aggressive. Staff filmed the confrontation as it played out on the forecourt. In the footage, Richie reportedly said "I don't give a f***" when told his device posed a safety risk near flammable fuel, The Standard reported.
Why Vaping on a Petrol Forecourt Is Prohibited
Petrol forecourts ban both smoking and vaping near pumps because igniting vapour or a flame near fuel creates a serious fire risk. Vapes heat liquid into aerosol using a battery-powered coil. Near petrol fumes, even that small heat source can be dangerous. Most UK forecourts display clear signs prohibiting both activities.
Richie's claim that vaping is different from smoking did not satisfy staff. The risk is the proximity to flammable fuel, not whether smoke or vapour is produced. Staff were following standard safety rules when they intervened, AOL noted.
Drink-Drive Charge Authorised, Court Date Set for September
Police arrived at the scene and arrested Richie on suspicion of drink-driving. Essex Police confirmed a charge of drink-driving has since been authorised. He is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on September 9, Digital Spy reported.
Richie was travelling alone at the time of the incident. No details about a breath or blood test result have been made public. He has not yet commented publicly on the charge, according to The Standard.
Alfie Moon Actor's Career Spans Decades on British TV
Shane Richie has played the loveable Alfie Moon on EastEnders on and off since 2002. The character has become one of the soap's most recognised faces over more than two decades. Richie has also appeared on stage and in pantomime, and competed on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2020.
The charge comes at a difficult moment for the actor's public profile. MyLondon noted the case has drawn wide coverage across British media. Richie's next scheduled appearance is at Colchester Magistrates' Court on September 9, where he will face the drink-driving charge.
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