Footage obtained by the Mirror shows Shane Richie, 62, walking around the forecourt of a Tesco petrol station in Harlow, Essex, with a vape in his hand after staff had repeatedly told him not to use it.
The EastEnders actor, best known for playing Alfie Moon, was filmed arguing with staff just after 11pm earlier this week. He was arrested and charged with drink driving when police arrived.
Footage shows argument with staff
In the video, Shane is overheard swearing at staff, telling one person to "f*** off". He is also heard saying: "It's not smoking. It's a vape."
At one point, he holds up his silver e-cigarette and points at a male member of staff, telling him "you, you" and waving him away. The staff member then informs him that he is recording the interaction, saying: "I have to get it on video for the police. That is a vape and that’s a risk in this petrol station."
Shane insists: "This is not a vape." Moments later, the manager is heard calling the police to report his behaviour.
Arrest and court date
The altercation began after the actor pulled his white Hyundai into the garage, claiming he had a flat tyre. He was wearing a red baseball cap, a dark coloured top, shorts and matching sliders.
After police arrived, he was arrested for drink-driving and is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 9 September.
An Essex Police spokesman said: "Officers were called to reports of a suspected drink driver in the area of Church Langley Way, Harlow, shortly before 11.20pm on Wednesday 29 July. On arrival, officers arrested a man. A charge of drink driving has subsequently been authorised against Shane Roche, 62, of Tadworth, Surrey. He is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 9 September."
