My year of hell after pub fight allegations left me ‘really low’
EMMERDALE star Mark Jordon has spoken of his year of hell after being accused of attacking a pensioner.
Mark, who played Daz Spencer in the soap, said he feared his career would be ruined over the court case and admits he sank to “really low lows” over the past 13 months.
Speaking for the first time after being found not guilty of assault on Tuesday, Mark told how he can finally look forward to the future and planning his wedding to co-star Laura Norton.
He admitted they had to use a “five-figure sum” from their wedding fund for the case because they were not eligible for legal aid.
Mark, 54, also told how his soap co-stars showed their support by sitting in the public gallery.
Last July, Mark’s life was turned upside down on a night out with family and friends celebrating his engagement to Laura, who plays Kerry Wyatt in the show.
He was held in a police cell for 15 hours after being accused of acting like a “mad dog” and biting Andrew Potts, 68, after an ugly brawl broke out in a row over Mark’s teenage daughter.
Mark, who also played PC Phil Bellamy in Heartbeat for 17 years, said yesterday: “I was portrayed as a violent drunk. We’ve had a year of anxiety we didn’t deserve.
“I’d never been in a fight before, never been in trouble with the law, never been in a cell or a police car, apart from a 1960s one in Heartbeat.
“I’d never been to court, never had to arrange a lawyer or barrister. It’s been an education, but not one I would have chosen.
“I’ve been allowed my voice after a year where I couldn’t say anything about it. I’m really glad everyone’s true colours have been shown. There were moments after my arrest I didn’t feel brave enough to go out. Now I’m finally looking forward to what’s around the corner.”
Despite his ordeal, Mark said: “Over this year, I have become a better man.
“When you are sat in court accused of something terrible, sat behind glass screens, it is unnerving.”
Mark was cleared of affray, unlawful wounding and assault by beating following a sevenday trial at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court.
On July 1 last year, Mark and Laura had celebrated their engagement at the Farrars Arms pub in Oldham.
But a row broke out with Mr Potts after he and his partner Rosalind O’neill allegedly made comments about Mark’s daughter Poppy – then aged 17 – who had been “straddling” a man in the beer garden.
Ms O’neill allegedly said: “I hope they’re using protection,” while Mr Potts was said to have called her a “slag”.
He also claimed he had a video of her which he would post on Youtube. CCTV showed Mr Potts throwing punches. During the trial, he alleged Mark had been taking cocaine.
Mark was accused of “growling like a mad dog” before biting Mr Potts on his thumb and the palm of his hand, spitting out a chunk of skin, before biting the OAP’S eyebrow as they fell to the ground.
In court, Mark said Mr Potts had pulled at his hair and ears, then put his hand inside his mouth – and that he only bit down on Mr Potts’s thumb as a “natural reaction” to having his hand inside his mouth, telling the jury: “It was not planned. It was pure instinct.”
Mark – who said he was acting in self defence – told how he was arrested in the street, leading to a year of hell.
He added: “I was sat at home watching the wedding fund being spent on barristers’ fees. Watching it dwindle.
“But now we can start all over, we’re already discussing plans.”
Mark now says it would be his “dream” to return to play Daz in Emmerdale.