Stephen Tompkinson to claim self-defence at GBH trial, court hears

Actor is accused of unlawfully and maliciously' inflicting grievous bodily harm on man named Karl Poole

The actor Stephen Tompkinson will claim self-defence when he goes on trial charged with grievous bodily harm, a court has heard.

The 56-year-old, who is best known for playing the title role in the ITV crime drama DCI Banks, is due to go on trial at Newcastle crown court next year.