Barrymore is back on screen in court video

FORMER TV star Michael Barrymore was back on screen today as he gave evidence in a court case.

The entertainer, who now lives in New Zealand, appeared in Liverpool Crown Court via a video link in the case of Lee O'Brien, who is accused of three counts of perverting the course of justice.

O'Brien, 23, of Liverpool is accused of making a false allegation that he was sexually assaulted by Barrymore in December 2001. He denies the charges.

The defendant claimed the assault took place after he visited Barrymore's Essex home to give him flowers. He later told police he had made it up after his male lover urged him to.

Barrymore said he had given O'Brien a cup of coffee, a signed photograph and arranged for tickets to his TV show, My Kind Of Music. The trial continues.