The DCI Banks and Ballykisangel star, 57, was accused of punching Karl Poole after he was drunkenly making “strange noises” outside the actor’s home in the early hours of 30 May 2021, causing him to fall and suffer traumatic brain injuries.

Newcastle Crown Court heard from the television star on Tuesday that he did not punch Mr Poole and was “not responsible” for the double skull fracture he sustained when his head hit the ground.

Read More: Stephen Tompkinson’s acting talent ‘makes his story convincing’, jury told, as DCI Banks star denies punching drunk man

Read More: DCI Banks star Stephen Tompkinson says it would be ‘career suicide’ to assault drunk man as he denies charges

Mr Tompkinson said he came out of his house at around 5.30am and challenged Mr Poole and his friend Andrew Hall who were both “heavily intoxicated”.

The actor said when he spotted the men it was a “horrible sight” and he had been worried about glass breaking in an area where his partner’s child plays.

Giving evidence in his defence, Mr Tompkinson said he put his hand out to stop Mr Poole coming towards him and made contact with his face but that it “wasn’t enough to knock a sober man off his feet”.

He said it would be “career suicide” to do something as outrageous as assault someone”.