Actor Stephen Tompkinson in court on GBH charge

Actor Stephen Tompkinson will stand trial next May over an allegation of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

The 56-year-old, best known for starring as Inspector Alan Banks in ITV crime series DCI Banks, is accused of seriously injuring Karl Poole in an alleged attack in Whitley Bay.

The actor was charged last month over the incident, which dates back to May 30 last year.

Tompkinson appeared via videolink at Newcastle crown court on Wednesday morning, entering a not guilty plea to the single charge.

Wearing a dark open-collar shirt and dark jacket, the actor said “yes, that’s correct” when asked his name, before saying “not guilty” to the allegation.

The court heard the trial will start on May 2 next year, in a case which is expected to last up to five days.

Tompkinson, who lives in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, had already indicated he would contest the allegation when he appeared at magistrates court last month.

The star became a household name after starring as Father Peter Clifford in 1996’s Ballykissangel. In the same year, he appeared as Phil in hit film Brassed Off.

Other notable TV credits include Drop The Dead Donkey, Wild At Heart, Minder, New Tricks, Grafters and Ted And Alice.

He was in DCI Banks for six years until the show was axed in 2016.

Later this year, Tompkinson, who recently starred as Frank Bryant in a stage adaptation of Educating Rita, is due to feature in ITV drama The Long Shadow about Yorkshire ripper Peter Sutcliffe.

He has been released on bail until the trial, which will be overseen Recorder of Newcastle Judge Paul Sloan QC.

Tompkinson has been excused attendance at a pre-trial hearing set for February 24 next year.