Jonathan Creek star Alan Davies 'bit homeless man's ear in drunken attack'

Jonathan Creek star Alan Davies 'bit homeless man's ear in drunken attack'

Last updated at 14:09pm on 11th December 2007 Comments (23)

Jonathan Creek star Alan Davies bit a homeless man's ear in a drunken attack outside a nightclub.

Witnesses said the victim screamed in agony as Davies sank his teeth into him for 13 seconds before two women and a man pulled him away.

Paul McElfatrick, 40, a former shop worker who is trying to get a hostel place, said the 2am attack happened after he called the actor and former stand-up comedian by the name of his TV character outside the Groucho Club in London.

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Drunken attack: Jonathan Creek star Alan Davies has admitted biting the homeless man

He said: "I thought he was going to whisper something but his face darkened and he almost spat the words, 'My name's Alan. You know my name - Alan. What's my name? It's Alan'.

"Then he suddenly went for my left ear. It was incredibly painful. I shrieked and my eyes were watering. He hung on and drew blood. I still can't sleep on that side of my head nearly a week later."

Davies, 41, today admitted the attack but said he had been provoked when Mr McElfatrick started abusing him as he walked out of the Dean Street club.

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The Groucho Club: The attack took place outside the venue

Paul McElfatrick says he was attacked by Alan Davies after he called him Jonathan Creek

Davies said he had had "far too much" to drink after he had given the eulogy at the funeral of Jonathan Creek producer Verity Lambert.

Davies, who also appears on comedy quiz show QI, added: "I was very upset and emotional. I had a lot to drink over many hours. Far too much really and a lot more than normal but it was an upsetting day.

"I remember this guy coming up and wanting to talk. After a while he started getting aggressive. He began calling me the c-word and other names.

"I lost it a bit. We had something of a tussle. My friends pulled us apart. I didn't realise he was homeless. The next morning I texted my friend to apologise and find out exactly what happened.

"I guess this isn't going to look good, is it? The last thing I want is another negative story about 'that obnoxious Jonathan Creek star'. What's this going to say?"

Emotional day: Alan Davies had delivered the eulogy at the funeral of the Jonathan Creek producer Verity Lambert before the attack

Told the headline would be something like "Jonathan Creek bite's tramp's ear" he laughed and said: "Oh God. I don't mean to laugh but that's funny isn't it? Oh God what a nightmare. I'm not normally an aggressive guy, honest."

CCTV footage shows Davies hanging on to Mr McElfatrick's ear before he is dragged away. Mr McElfatrick told the Daily Mirror: "Luckily a big guy came from behind and helped to free me.

"It seemed like Alan was up for another bout so I got myself out of there as soon as I could. I've seen Alan on TV and he seems so mild-mannered.

"He's a bit of a mummy's boy really with his sheepish grin and silly jokes. So when I felt his teeth around my ear I just couldn't believe it. You'd think an educated millionaire like him would have more decency."