not sure what went on there, but i tell pilots to"vacate left/right, then contact ground on blah"
i expect that the pilot will remain on twr until crossing hold point (where they are vacated and out of the cleared and graded area) before contacting ground
fair enough to stop immediately after that point till you get further instructions but first of all ensure that you are passed this point so the next a/c can land or take off. if you are the runway side of the hold then you are still deemed to be on the runway
prof