Essex Police today dismissed claims that EastEnders star Jessie Wallace was given special treatment when she was whisked away in a police car after a brief court appearance.

The 31-year-old star who plays Kat Slater in the soap, is due to stand trial for drink driving in Essex.

Appearing under her real name, Karen Wallace, she appeared for the second time at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court yesterday for drink-driving in the town's Princes Road in March. She has denied the charge.

Magistrates set a one-day trial due to be heard at Witham Magistrates on September 5 at the pre-trial hearing.

Wallace, of Wanstead, East London, then came out of a side entrance and was taken away in a marked police car to avoid a group of photographers and journalists waiting to greet her.

Police said she was allowed to get in the car for public safety reasons after they were alerted by Wallace's waiting taxi driver outside the court.

An Essex Police, spokesman said: "Essex Police did not lay on support it was a spur of the moment decision.

"The taxi driver waiting to pick her up was saying there was a problem as he was being surrounded by the press and a patrol car was in the vicinity.

"Because of the amount of press, he could not move. It was a quick solution for safety reasons. The right decision was made with regard to a situation which was thought could exacerbate."

Published Wednesday, April 23, 2003

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