Stephen Tompkinson, star of the popular TV drama DCI Banks, is on trial for allegedly causing a fractured skull to a man outside his home in North Tyneside in May 2021. According to the prosecution, Tompkinson punched Karl Poole, who was drunk and making strange noises outside the actor’s home at around 5.30 am, causing him to fall and hit his head on the pavement.
The Ballykissangel actor allegedly “snapped” and “lashed out” at Poole and his friend, Andrew Hall, who were drinking at the bottom of his driveway when Tompkinson emerged from his home dressed in pyjamas and a dressing gown. While the prosecution alleges that Tompkinson punched Poole, the actor said he simply pushed the man away in self-defence.
Prosecutor Michael Bunch told the court that Tompkinson’s “obvious talent makes him convincing in putting across a story,”, adding that he is “an expert in playing a part – a man tormented by a pair of drunks. He can deliver a line.” Bunch reminded the court that Tompkinson had said punching a man would have been “career suicide.”
A neighbour who witnessed the incident from her bedroom window testified that she saw Tompkinson slap and punch Poole. The actor, however, described himself as “disgusted” by the behaviour of Poole and Hall, whom he referred to as “grown men who should be behaving better.”
Nicholas Lumley KC, Tompkinson’s defence lawyer, argued that the actor’s “calmness” had led producers to seek him out, asking the jury why he would risk throwing away his hard-earned reputation.
Poole and Hall had been drinking since midnight on 30th May 2021 and had gone to the beach before passing Tompkinson’s home. Tompkinson, who was living with his partner and her seven-year-old son at the time, went outside and confronted the men after they tried and failed to stand up while drinking from a bottle of Jagermeister. He called the emergency services, but while waiting to be connected, he went outside and told the men that he was calling the police.
The jury retired to consider their verdict at 3.20 pm on Wednesday, 10th May 2023, and will resume their deliberations on Thursday. Tompkinson denies a single charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm.
