Actor Stephen Tompkinson, 56, will face trial next year after pleading not guilty to GBH in an assault that “left the victim fractured his skull and unable to work”.
- The actor, who played Alan Banks in the ITV series DCI Banks, has pleaded not guilty to GBH
- He is said to have left a man with a double fractured skull in a fight outside his home
- He faces a jury trial on May 2 and a possible five-year prison sentence if convicted
British actor Stephen Tompkinson will appear in court next year after appearing in court today denying the charge of aggravated assault.
The 56-year-old, best known for playing detective Inspector Alan Banks on ITV crime drama series DCI Banks, now faces a court hearing, which is set to start next May.
During a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court this morning, Tompkinson, who appeared via video link from an undisclosed location, pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault.
He is accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Karl Poole “unlawfully and maliciously” during a brawl outside his home on May 30 last year.
His attorney said he will argue at next year’s trial that it was a matter of self-defense. The actor faces a five-year prison sentence if found guilty.
British TV legend Stephen Tompkinson has reportedly left a father with a double fractured skull after beating him up. Pictured in 2019 with Jessica Johnson
Tompkinson, who has also appeared as Marcus in Chancer, Damien Day in Drop the Dead Donkey and Danny Travanion in Wild at Heart, denies the charges. Pictured as Alan Banks in DCI Banks
The victim was reportedly left with a double fractured skull and doesn’t remember much of the broke. He has reportedly become unable to work.
Tompkinson, of Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, showed no emotion or reaction during the hearing.
There will be another preliminary hearing on February 24, which Tomkinson does not have to attend.
Adam Birkby, who is defending the actor, said there have been some “salacious” media reports of the trial so far and the case has generated “considerable interest”, stressing the importance of Tompkinson’s right to a fair trial.
Mr Birkby added: “It is important that everyone establishes that they have pleaded not guilty and the issue to be brought to court is a self defence.”
Judge Robert Adams granted Tompkinson conditional bail and advised him to keep in touch with his attorney and appear in court at the hearing.
The actor confirmed that he understood what was said at the hearing and thanked the court at the end.
Tompkinson became a household name after starring as Father Peter Clifford in 1996’s Ballykissangel and starring as Phil in the hit film Brassed Off that same year.
He recently starred as Frank Bryant in a stage adaptation of Educating Rita, who will be starring in ITV drama The Long Shadow about Yorkshire ripper Peter Sutcliffe later this year.
Other notable TV credits include Drop The Dead Donkey, Wild At Heart, Minder, New Tricks, Grafters, and Ted And Alice.
The jury trial is scheduled to begin May 2 next year and could last up to five days.
