TV star is accused of GBH

A TV star has appeared in court accused of grievous bodily harm during an alleged incident in Whitley Bay.

Stephen Tompkinson, whose address was listed at a property in Whitley Bay, appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on August 10.

He has been charged with wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent on a man named as Karl Poole.

Court lists show it was his first appearance before justices on the matter. The particulars of the alleged offence on court documents reads: “On Sunday, May 30, at Whitley Bay unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm upon Karl Poole contrary to section 20 of the Offences Against The Person Act 1861.”

Tompkinson pleaded not guilty to the single charge and the matter has been sent to Newcastle Crown Court to be dealt with.

He will appear there on Wednesday, September 7, reports The Sun.

The 56-year-old, who was born in Stockton and is a lifelong Middlesbrough FC fan, is the star of ITV’S popular DCI Banks series.

Tompkinson is one of the UK’S most well-known and talented actors, also appearing in Wild at Heart as Danny Trevanion, Truckers as Malachi

Davies, Trollied as Brian and The Split as Davey Mckenzie.

He is due to star in the ITV drama The Long Shadow, about Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, later this year.

Tompkinson has also recently been starring as Frank Bryant in a stage adaptation of Educating Rita, opposite his real-life partner Jess Johnson, 41.

The actor was born at Oulston Road in Stockton.

He moved to Scarborough as a child but has retained a lifelong love for his hometown and Middlesbrough FC, returning regularly to visit relatives.