Prince Andrew alleges he came face-to-face with a balaclava-clad man who chased him near his Sandringham home, a court heard on Thursday. The incident allegedly occurred on May 6.
Alex Jenkinson, 39, faces charges of using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behavior toward the former Duke of York in Norfolk. Suffolk Police are also seeking a civil Stalking Protection Order against Jenkinson, a process that includes evidence from Andrew and searches of Jenkinson's phone.
During a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram read portions of Andrew's witness statement. According to the statement, the former Duke was out walking his dogs on the Sandringham estate when he noticed a car he assumed belonged to press photographers. After driving past the vehicle, Andrew stated a man "turned and faced me – he was wearing a balaclava face covering."
Andrew provided a description of the man, whom he found to be "out-of-place." He added that after spotting a loose dog running toward the man, "Then he realised who I was and began to sprint after my vehicle."
Thursday's court proceedings took place in Jenkinson's absence. His lawyer informed the court that Jenkinson arrived with his dog, Indie, and was prevented from entering the building by officials. The lawyer stated Jenkinson is homeless and staying in a Travelodge, where he is not permitted to leave the dog, which provides him with support as he suffers from ADHD.
The judge expressed reluctance to allow the dog in the courtroom based solely on Jenkinson's homelessness and pet ownership, requesting further corroboration for his medical condition and the necessity of a support animal.
An application to adjourn the police bid for a Stalking Protection Order was heard and agreed upon, with the judge ruling that the hearing could proceed in Jenkinson's absence. His lawyer indicated that Jenkinson has since found temporary accommodation where he can leave the dog for future hearings.
Jenkinson is accused of causing the former Duke of York to "fear unlawful violence" during the confrontation in Wolferton. Following the incident, Jenkinson was detained under the Mental Health Act for approximately one month. He has pleaded guilty to failing to provide a blood specimen while in custody on May 6.
However, Jenkinson denies the public order offense against Prince Andrew and has also pleaded not guilty to a separate charge involving threatening behavior towards another man, Stephen Terry, in King's Lynn on May 5.
Prince Andrew is scheduled to give evidence via videolink at the criminal trial, which has been set for December 21. Jenkinson, who resides in Stowmarket, Suffolk, is contesting the Stalking Protection Order. Judge Ikram ruled that the former Duke, Mr. Terry, and an eyewitness must provide evidence again at the hearing to determine the Stalking Protection Order application, stating that fairness requires Jenkinson to be allowed to call and cross-examine these witnesses.
Evidence from Jenkinson's phone, including alleged searches related to Andrew, Sandringham, and "weapons," is expected to be presented at the trial. Jenkinson is currently on bail with conditions that prohibit him from going near royal family sites such as Sandringham, Buckingham Palace, Balmoral, Windsor, and Highgrove. He is also forbidden from contacting Prince Andrew directly or indirectly, approaching him, or entering Norfolk.