Video footage captures EastEnders actor Shane Richie being challenged by a member of staff while using an e-cigarette on the petrol station forecourt. The incident is understood to have occurred shortly after 11pm. The clip appears to show the 62-year-old, dressed in shorts, a dark sweatshirt and red baseball cap, telling an attendant "I don't give a f***" when cautioned about vaping in the area, the Mirror reports.
The footage, obtained by The Sun, showed Richie appearing visibly angry during the confrontation. It is reported that the manager contacted police about him. Richie is said to have driven his white Hyundai onto the Essex forecourt on Wednesday evening, with claims the vehicle had a flat tyre.
Vaping dispute
According to reports, when staff approached him to say smoking was not permitted, he responded by clarifying it was a vape. After a worker warned that the incident was being recorded, he allegedly replied: "What, you're filming me? All right, I'm going to film you." He also denied any wrongdoing and is heard shouting: "Not smoking a cigarette."
While vaping on a garage forecourt is not illegal, companies prohibit it because electronic devices could produce sparks capable of igniting petrol. Police informed Richie that staff suspected he had been drinking before getting behind the wheel.
Court appearance
Essex Police confirmed in a statement: "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."
