Bruce Jones rehab request rejected

Former Coronation Street star Bruce Jones has reportedly been refused permission to enter a rehab clinic in South Africa.

According to PA, Jones appeared in court today in a bid to have the date of his sentencing for dangerous driving deferred or brought forward. He made the request so that he would be free to join a Cape Town treatment centre.

However, it is understood that the request was rejected by Judge John Rogers QC because the ex-soap star may still face a jail term.

Jones's defence lawyer had argued that checking into the clinic was "the most effective way" for the actor to begin treatment for alcoholism and would "in no way interfere with the interests of justice".

However, Judge Rogers stated: "I have seen the application that he might go to South Africa and I'm afraid it does not accord with what the trial judge has deemed the appropriate course of action."

Jones, who played Weatherfield layabout Les Battersby for ten years, last week confessed that a drunken rage had caused him to grab the wheel of his wife's car while she was driving and threaten to kill them both.

The 57-year-old is expected to be sentenced as planned on April 16.