looked sombre as he headed to court in Newcastle.
The actor, who is best-known for playing the lead in DCI Banks, is on trial; in Newcastle Crown Court .
Tompkins denies the charges after being accused of ’ on a man named Karl Poole on May 30, 2021;
At a hearing in May of last year, Tompkins entered a ‘not guilty’ plea, with his barrister informing the court that he would be arguing self-defence.
The 57-year-old was today seen arriving at court to begin the trial, which is expected to last three days.
Crime drama star Tompkinson appeared sombre as he walked towards the building carrying a briefcase and wearing a grey tartan suit with a black shirt underneath.
In the hearing in May last year, his barrister told the court: ‘It is very important for everyone to note, firstly he has pleaded not guilty.’
He added that ‘the issue to be tried is one of self-defence.’
Tompkinson faces ‘a single charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm’ after the alleged incident in May last year.
It is claimed to have occurred outside a house where the actor was living at the time in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside.
Tompkinson became a household name in the 1990s through his role of Father Peter Clifford in Ballykissangel.
He has since gone on to star in numerous TV shows and films.
