UK soap star Michael Le Vell to seek sanctuary in Perth British Coronation Street star Michael Le Vell, cleared of child sex offences including rape, is heading to WA to live. ONE of British television's most familiar faces is set to seek sanctuary in Australia after being acquitted of rape earlier this year, UK reports say. Michael Le Vell has played mechanic Kevin Webster on the long-running soap opera Coronation Street since 1983. But he was in the spotlight for different reasons earlier this year, when he faced 12 child sex charges, including five rapes. After a trial, which revealed personal problems including issues with alcohol and infidelity, Mr Le Vell was cleared of all charges. But the unwelcome headlines continued, with reports of a social media campaign against Mr Le Vell, and damage to his car, which was parked outside his home in Greater Manchester. London's Daily Mirror claims Mr Le Vell is now planning to travel to Perth to spend time with his brother Phil Turner, a teacher, who supported him during the trial. "We were a strong family before, that's just how we are," Mr Turner told ITV after the acquittal.