The former Duke of York describes a frightening encounter with a masked man during a court hearing
Category: Politics
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, testified in court about a distressing encounter he had with an alleged stalker near his Sandringham home on May 6. During a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram reviewed parts of Andrew's witness statement, which details the confrontation with a man wearing a balaclava who reportedly chased him.
Alex Jenkinson, 39, is charged with using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behavior toward Andrew, and Suffolk Police are pursuing a civil Stalking Protection Order against him. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of the royal family, particularly in light of Andrew's description of the events that unfolded during his walk.
According to Andrew's statement, he was walking his dogs on the estate when he noticed a vehicle he assumed belonged to press photographers. After passing the car, he saw a man who appeared "out-of-place" wearing a balaclava. The situation escalated when Andrew observed a loose dog running toward the man, after which the man recognized Andrew and began to sprint after his vehicle. "Then he realized who I was and began to sprint after my vehicle," Andrew recounted.
The court hearing took place without Jenkinson, who was blocked from entering the courtroom after arriving with his dog, Indie. His lawyer, Claire Howell, argued that the dog is a support animal, as Jenkinson is homeless and suffers from ADHD. Howell, though, admitted she had no documentation to substantiate Jenkinson's medical condition or the need for a support animal. Judge Ikram stated, "I would want something more than he is homeless and happens to have a dog" before denying entry.
In addition to the charge involving Andrew, Jenkinson is also contesting a separate charge of using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behavior with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence against another man, Stephen Terry, in King’s Lynn on May 5. He has pleaded not guilty to both charges.
The incident has drawn considerable media attention, due to Andrew's royal status and because of the serious nature of the allegations. The former Duke of York has been living at Marsh Farm, near Sandringham, for several months following his departure from Royal Lodge in Windsor. This change in residence has been part of a broader narrative surrounding Andrew's public life and the challenges he faces.
Following the confrontation, Jenkinson was detained under the Mental Health Act for about a month, which raises questions about his mental health and stability. This aspect will likely be a focal point in both the criminal trial and the civil proceedings for the Stalking Protection Order. The police have indicated that evidence from Jenkinson's phone, including searches related to Andrew, Sandringham, and weapons, will be presented in court.
In the aftermath of the incident, Andrew's security has become a pressing concern. The conditions of Jenkinson’s bail stipulate that he must not approach Andrew directly or indirectly, nor enter Norfolk or visit various royal residences, including Sandringham, Buckingham Palace, Balmoral, Windsor, and Highgrove. These restrictions highlight the heightened security measures surrounding members of the royal family.
As the legal proceedings continue, Andrew is expected to provide evidence via video link during the criminal trial scheduled for December 21. This trial will be a key moment in determining the outcome of the charges against Jenkinson and whether the Stalking Protection Order will be granted.
A pre-trial hearing is set for January 22 at Loughborough Magistrates’ Court, where both sides will prepare for the final hearing on February 16 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Judge Ikram has determined that fairness requires Andrew, as well as other witnesses, to testify again during the hearing for the Stalking Protection Order, allowing Jenkinson to cross-examine them.
With the legal proceedings set to continue over the coming months, the implications for both Andrew and Jenkinson remain uncertain. The case highlights the challenges faced by public figures in maintaining their safety and privacy against potential threats. The outcome of these proceedings will not only affect the individuals involved but may also have broader implications for security protocols surrounding the royal family.