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.
