Casualty Star Clive Mantle Reveals Gruesome Ear Biting Attack in Hotel Row

In a shocking and gruesome courtroom revelation, Casualty and Game of Thrones star Clive Mantle testified that a portion of his ear was bitten off during a violent hotel altercation. The incident, detailed in Screenshot (550).png, unfolded in the early hours of March 24 at the Quayside Travelodge in Newcastle, where the actor had been staying while performing at the city’s Theatre Royal.

The Incident Unfolds

The harrowing account began when Mantle, 68, was jolted awake by shouting from outside his hotel room. According to his testimony at Newcastle Crown Court, he went to investigate and found two men—Philip McGilvray and Alan French—making a racket in the hallway. After politely asking them to quiet down, the situation escalated rapidly.

Mantle, who played surgeon Mike Barrett in the long-running BBC medical drama, described how the two men allegedly "laid into him" after he tried to head to reception to complain. The actor told the jury that the pair deliberately blocked his path, then grabbed his arms. “Immediately, my arms were caught. I had one man on each arm and I couldn't free myself,” he said.

The Melee and the Bite

What began as a tussle quickly turned into a terrifying melee. Mantle recounted, “The next thing I was aware of was a pain in my left ear which triggered a massive response within me. The adrenaline it gave me enabled me to rip my right hand away. The only thing I could do is put my thumb in his eye socket to make him release.”

In a dramatic moment during the trial, Mantle revealed his disfigured left ear to the jury at the request of the prosecution. Prosecution barrister Jolyon Perks told the court that Mantle had placed his hands between the two men, trying to force his way through—"perhaps not unreasonably considering the situation he was in." Perks added: “At this point they both decided to grab his arms and set about him. Both men threw a flurry of drunken punches, some landed, some didn't. Ultimately, it ended with him being dragged on the ground face down … culminating with a substantial part of his ear being bitten off.”

Clive Mantle: A Storied Career

For those unfamiliar with the actor’s body of work, this shocking incident may seem surreal. Mantle is best known for his role as the lovable but often flustered surgeon Mike Barrett on Casualty, a part he played from 1986 to 1993 and again in later specials. However, his career stretches far beyond the fictional Holby City hospital.

Mantle has a formidable presence in fantasy television, having portrayed the fierce Greatjon Umber in HBO’s Game of Thrones—a role that saw him lead the Umber army in the iconic “King in the North” scene. He also appeared in the cult classic Robin of Sherwood as Little John, adding to his collection of larger-than-life characters. His film credits include The Green Knight and Doctor Who: The Movie, and he has performed extensively with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Court Proceedings and Defense

Both McGilvray and French have denied wounding with intent. The trial continues, with the jury expected to hear more evidence from witnesses and possibly from the defendants themselves. The court has heard that Mantle sustained significant trauma to his ear, requiring medical attention and leaving permanent scarring.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, with fans and colleagues expressing support for the actor. Mantle’s ability to recall the events in such vivid detail, despite the trauma, underscores the gravity of the attack.

Drunken Violence and Aftermath

Prosecutors painted a picture of a drunken, unprovoked assault. The two men had been drinking heavily before the encounter, and their aggressive behavior escalated into violence when confronted. Mantle’s testimony—calm, measured, yet visceral—has been a cornerstone of the case so far. The jury has been asked to consider whether the bite was intentional or a reckless act during the scuffle.

As the trial unfolds, one thing remains clear: this is a celebrity story that mixes Hollywood glamour with raw, street-level violence. The outcome could have serious legal consequences for the two accused, but for Mantle, the physical and emotional scars will linger far longer than any court sentence.

The trial continues.

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