Stephen Tompkinson has appeared at Newcastle Crown Court where he pleaded not guilty following claims he left a dad so badly injured he had a fractured skull.
The former Wild At Heart actor, 56, faced a grievous bodily harm charge which saw him faced with a maximum penalty of five years behind bars.
Now, his solicitor has told the court that Stephen will claim self-defence when he goes on trial.
READ NEXT: TV star Stephen Tompkinson ‘battered a dad’ so badly he was left with ‘fractured skull’
Appearing via a video link from an undisclosed location, Stephen entered his plea to the court and will now face a trial which is set to start in May 2023 and is likely to run for four days.
(Image: John Phillips/Getty Images)
The actor was accused of “unlawfully and maliciously” inflicting harm on his victim on May 2, 2021.
A legal representative for Stephen said that he had been subjected to “salacious” reports.
Adam Birkby continued: “It is very important for everyone to note, he has pleaded not guilty and the issue to be tried is one of self-defence.”
Judge Robert Adams granted Stephen bail and instructed him to remain in contact with his solicitor and to attend the court on the date of the trial.
(Image: Getty Images)
A pre-trial review will take place on February 24, although Stephen is not required to attend.
Tompkinson confirmed he understood what he had been instructed to do before thanking the court following their conclusion.
Stephen was initially arrested outside of his home in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside following the late-night bust-up.
Initial reports suggested that the alleged victim was unable to work and was suffering from a double fracture to his skull.
In July of this year, Stephen appeared before a Magistrates Court where he also issued a plea of “not guilty”.
A Magistrate deemed the trial to be too serious to be heard at the Magistrates level and expedited the case to Crown Court in order for a jury to decide a verdict.
(Image: PA)
The victim was reportedly unable to remember much about the incident due to the nature of his substantial injuries.
Tompkinson has a number of claims to fame, including landing the lead role in the ITV series DCI Banks.
The programme endured five successful seasons, running from 2010 to 2016.
Another telly stint included Tompkinson’s role in the 99s hit comedy series Drop The Dead Donkey.
In 1994, he won the British Comedy Award for best TV actor.
Other claims to fame include playing Father Peter Clifford in Ballykissangel in 1996 —assisting with making Brassed Off a Box Office smash.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
