Man in court accused of biting off Game of Thrones actor Clive Mantle's ear

Clive Mantle, who has had part of his ear bitten off (PA)

A 32-year-old man appeared in court today accused of biting off part of former Casualty actor Clive Mantle's ear.

Philip McGilvray, of Arbroath Grove, Hamilton, Scotland, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court charged with wounding with intent.

He is accused of attacking Mantle, who has also appeared in the hit US TV show Game Of Thrones, at a Travelodge on Newcastle's Quayside on Sunday 24 March.

The 55-year-old actor had been appearing in a touring production of The Ladykillers in the city and it was believed an incident occurred after he asked other guests to keep the noise down.

McGilvray did not enter a plea and the case was sent to Newcastle Crown Court for a hearing on 26 April.

He was granted bail with a series of conditions, one of which bars him from licensed premises.

The dark-haired defendant wore a grey suit with white open-neck shirt for the hearing. He covered his face with a hat and scarf as he left court and was driven away in a hatchback.

Mantle, who is 6ft 5in, played Greatjon Umber, a northern lord, in the first series of Game Of Thrones. In Casualty he played surgeon Mike Barrett.

PA