The actor and person Arthur Bostrum arrived in court today accused of common assault after a man 'annoyed' him at a West-End dronks party.
Bostrum, 55, starred in such prime time comedy shows as Allo Allo as well as appearing often in pantomimes up and down the North.
Christopher Bav, 32, allegedly walked up to the actor and said 'Good Moaning', which is Bostrum's famous catchphrase from his TV role as a malaprop policeman.
Bostrum is well known in theatre circles as having a 'problem' with people who mention Allo Allo to him and said to Mr Bav, "if you say that once more I'll drop you". Mr Bav, assuming Bostrum was playing along, replied "Do not worry, I shall say this only once" in a French accent and then, the prosecution counsel contends, was kneed repeatedly in the side by the actor who, according to Davis Barg QC, "laughed maniacally throughout the attack."
This is the second time Bostrum has lost his temper with a member of the public over his 1980's character. In 2004, jeweller Hamish Noonhan mentioned that Bostrum's hat "looked a little wonky" and the actor had to be restrained as he genuinely thought that Noonhan was making reference to the comedy policeman whilst also mocking his clothes. He later apologized after a picture of him taken earlier in the day showed that his hat was indeed at a jaunty angle.
Bostrum showed no remorse while pleading guilty. Mr Bav took immediate exception to this and at one point in the proceedings called Mr Bostrum a "Cont". Court Baliffs seemed unsure whether to act or not - particularly after Mr Justice Carnaby seemed to snigger.
Regretfully, Richard Gibson was unavailable for comment.
The trial continues.
