Prince Andrew stated that he encountered an individual wearing a balaclava who pursued him near his home at Sandringham, a court was informed. Alex Jenkinson, 39, of Stowmarket, Suffolk, is accused of causing the former Duke of York to "fear unlawful violence" during the incident on May 6 while the prince was walking his dogs.
Suffolk Police are seeking a civil Stalking Protection Order against Jenkinson. Parts of Prince Andrew's witness statement, central to both legal proceedings, were read out in Westminster Magistrates' Court. Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram read the statement, in which the Duke recounted spotting a car he believed belonged to press photographers. He stated that he and his security detail drove past the vehicle, after which a man "turned and faced me – he was wearing a balaclava face covering."
Prince Andrew provided a description of the man, whom he found "out of place," and added in his statement, "I then saw a loose dog running towards him. Then he realised who I was and began to sprint after my vehicle."
The court hearing proceeded in Jenkinson's absence after he was prevented from entering the building with his dog. The defendant's lawyer, Claire Howell, explained that the dog is a support animal for her client, who has ADHD and is homeless. Howell conceded that she lacked documentation to prove Jenkinson's medical condition or his need for the animal.
Jenkinson denies the public order offense against Prince Andrew. He has also pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behavior with the intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence against another man, Stephen Terry, in King's Lynn on May 5. Jenkinson is also contesting the Stalking Protection Order.
He is currently on conditional bail, which prohibits him from going near Sandringham, Buckingham Palace, Balmoral, Windsor, or Highgrove. He is also forbidden from attempting to contact Prince Andrew directly or indirectly, approaching him, or entering Norfolk. The trial is anticipated to commence on December 21.