Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was expected to appear in court via videolink on Wednesday, but a new trial date has been set for December. The case involves Alex Jenkinson, who is accused of causing the former Duke of York to fear unlawful violence during an incident in Norfolk on May 6.
Court hearing details
Jenkinson, 39, faces a charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards Andrew. His trial was originally scheduled for July 29, but Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring delayed it at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, citing concerns over Jenkinson’s mental health. The new trial date is December 21.
Incident and background
The alleged incident occurred while Andrew was walking his dogs in Wolferton, near his Marsh Farm property. Jenkinson was detained under the Mental Health Act for about a month afterward and then housed temporarily in a Travelodge. The court heard he underwent a psychiatric assessment on Tuesday, with a report expected by early August.
Phone evidence
Online searches on Jenkinson’s phone are expected to be part of the trial evidence. The court heard one search involved the words “Prince Andrew” and “birthday.” Defence barrister Claire Howell noted a police officer prepared a 341-page download of the phone, conducting keyword searches including “Andrew,” “search Sandringham,” and “weapons.” Jenkinson’s lawyers objected to how the evidence was prepared, and a forensic police officer will now deliver it.
Other charges and bail conditions
Jenkinson has pleaded guilty to failing to provide a blood specimen while in custody on May 6. He denies the public order offence against Andrew and has pleaded not guilty to a similar charge against Stephen Terry in King’s Lynn on May 5. He is on conditional bail, barred from approaching royal sites such as Sandringham, Buckingham Palace, Balmoral, Windsor, and Highgrove. He must not contact Andrew or enter Norfolk.
