Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is due to give evidence against a man charged with threatening him outside the prince's property in Wolferton, west Norfolk. The defendant, identified as a 39-year-old man from Stowmarket, Suffolk, was arrested after an incident in early May.
Allegations and charges
The incident is said to have occurred at about 7.30pm on 6 May. It is alleged that the defendant approached the prince while wearing a balaclava and shouted at him. At the time, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was walking his dogs accompanied by a security guard and is reported to have gone to his vehicle and driven away, with the suspect subsequently following.
Norfolk Police recorded reports of a man acting in an intimidating manner in the village and arrested the suspect on suspicion of a public order offence and possession of an offensive weapon. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to an offence of causing fear through threatening behaviour in relation to the Wolferton incident, and to a similar allegation involving another person in Lynn on 5 May.
Court hearing delayed amid mental health assessment
The trial was due to start this month, but the hearing was adjourned by Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring because of concerns about the defendant's mental health. The court heard that the accused has undergone a psychiatric assessment and a report is expected to be returned in August. The matter has been listed to resume on 21 December, when the former Duke of York will give evidence.
Bail conditions and restrictions
Following his arrest, the defendant was granted bail subject to a series of conditions. Those requirements include geographical prohibitions and restrictions on contact with the alleged victim.
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Geographical exclusions | Not to attend Sandringham, Buckingham Palace, Balmoral, Windsor or Highgrove |
| No contact | Must not contact Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor |
Local and legal context
The case involves locations across East Anglia: the alleged Wolferton incident in west Norfolk and a separate alleged occurrence in Lynn. The defendant's Suffolk address in Stowmarket is noted in the court records. Prosecutors will now prepare for witness testimony from Mr Mountbatten-Windsor later in the year once the psychiatric report is available.
- Incident date: 6 May (Wolferton).
- Additional allegation: incident in Lynn on 5 May.
- Next hearing listed for 21 December.
The case will proceed within the criminal courts once the mental health assessment has been completed and returned to the court this summer. Until then, the defendant remains on bail under the terms set by magistrates.
