Actor is accused of ‘unlawfully and maliciously’ inflicting grievous bodily harm on man named Karl Poole
The actor Stephen Tompkinson will claim self-defence when he goes on trial charged with grievous bodily harm, a court has heard.
The 56-year-old, who is best known for playing the title role in the ITV crime drama DCI Banks, is due to go on trial at Newcastle crown court next year.
Tompkinson is accused of “unlawfully and maliciously” inflicting grievous bodily harm on a man named Karl Poole on 30 May last year.
The actor, who lives in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, pleaded “not guilty” during a brief hearing on Wednesday, which he attended via video link.
Tompkinson’s barrister, Adam Birkby, was critical of some of the reporting of the case, claiming it has been inaccurate and “salacious”.
Birkby said: “It is very important for everyone to note, firstly he has pleaded not guilty and the issue to be tried is one of self-defence.”
Judge Robert Adams set a trial date for 2 May next year, with an estimate it will take four days. A pre-trial review, which the defendant need not attend, will be held on 24 February.
Tompkinson was granted bail.
The actor became a household name after starring as Father Peter Clifford in Ballykissangel in 1996. In the same year he appeared in the hit film Brassed Off. Other notable TV credits include roles in Drop the Dead Donkey, Wild at Heart, Minder, New Tricks, Grafters and Ted and Alice.
Tompkinson appeared as DCI Banks for six years until the drama series ended in 2016.
He recently starred as Frank Bryant in a stage adaptation of Educating Rita, and later this year is due to feature in the ITV drama The Long Shadow about Peter Sutcliffe, the convicted serial killer known as the Yorkshire Ripper.
