Ricky Whittle may face law suit over assault claims

by Simon Boyle. Published Wed 02 Dec 2009 15:59, Last updated: 2009-12-02

Ricky Whittle

Strictly favourite Ricky Whittle may face a civil law suit from a photographer, who he allegedly assaulted in Liverpool.

The actor, who plays Calvin in Hollyoaks, was arrested at around 2am on Friday morning following an incident outside a leaving party for cast members at Liverpool's Parr Street Studios.

It is alleged that the twenty-nine year old left the party at around 1am following the party, before attempting to drive home in his Dodge Ram pick-up truck.

As Whittle began to pull away from a nearby junction, his vehicle struck photographer Steve Farrell, who was attempting to snap the star and his former girlfriend Carley Stenson.

The incident left Farrell with minor injuries, and he is currently in talks with legal experts while he considers a civil claim for damages against the star.

His solicitor Nick Harrison said: "At this point in time we are making inquiries into the incident.

"Mr Farrell maintains that he was going about the normal course of his business as a freelance photographer when he was struck by a vehicle being driven by Mr Whittle.

"If the evidence suggests that Mr Whittle drove negligently into Mr Farrell, then Mr Farrell may well have a case for claiming compensation for his injuries and any loss of earnings."

Whittle was held in custody for much of Friday while he was questioned by police, before being released on bail pending further enquiries.

He was released in time to appear on Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing, where he narrowly avoided being voted off the show in a dance-off with Eastenders star Natalie Cassidy.