Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has described the moment he says he
was chased by a masked man near his Sandringham home, as details of
the alleged encounter were revealed during a court hearing.
The former Duke of York’s witness statement was read to
Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday during proceedings
involving Alex Jenkinson, 39, who denies causing Andrew to fear
unlawful violence during an incident near the Sandringham estate on
6 May.
In the statement, Andrew recalled walking his dogs when he
noticed a vehicle he believed belonged to photographers. After his
security team drove past the car, he said a man wearing a balaclava
turned to face him.
Describing the individual as looking “out of place”, Andrew said
he then noticed a loose dog running towards the man before the
situation escalated.
“Then he realised who I was and began to sprint after my
vehicle,” the statement said.
Andrew’s evidence is expected to form a key part of Jenkinson’s
criminal trial, which is scheduled to begin on 21 December. The
former duke is expected to give his evidence via video link.
Thursday’s hearing took place without Jenkinson present after he
was refused entry to Westminster Magistrates’ Court because he had
brought his dog with him. His solicitor, Claire Howell, told the
court the animal was a support dog because her client has ADHD and
is homeless, but accepted she had no medical evidence to support
that claim.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram ruled that the dog could not
be admitted, saying the court required evidence before making such
an accommodation.
Jenkinson has pleaded not guilty to the public order allegation
involving Andrew. He also denies a separate charge of using
threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to
cause fear or provoke unlawful violence against another man in
King’s Lynn on 5 May.
Suffolk Police is also seeking a Stalking Protection Order
against Jenkinson, who is currently on conditional bail. As part of
those conditions, he is prohibited from approaching Andrew,
contacting him directly or indirectly, entering Norfolk or visiting
a number of royal residences, including Sandringham, Buckingham
Palace, Balmoral, Windsor and Highgrove.
