Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor chased by 'balaclava-wearing stalker'

An alleged stalker sporting a balaclava 'chased' Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor close to the Sandringham Estate, a court has heard.

Alex Jenkinson has been accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards the son of the late Queen Elizabeth earlier this year.

Andrew, 66, has claimed that he was confronted by the 39-year-old on 6 May while out walking his dogs in Wolferton, Norfolk, and alleges that Jenkinson began 'sprinting' after him as he tried to flee.

A civil Stalking Protection Order is being sought against Jenkinson by Suffolk Police in relation to the incident. The force are relying on evidence from Andrew and searches found on the defendant's phone to support this.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram read out portions of the former Duke of York's witness statement at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (6 August), which detailed his version of events.

The 66-year-old said a 'balaclava' wearing bloke confronted him while he was walking his dogs (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Andrew's testimony is set to be the centrepiece of both legal proceedings being waged against Jenkinson.

He has claimed that while taking his pets for a walk on the estate, he noticed a nearby car which he presumed must have belonged to press photographers.

Andrew and his security detail then 'drove past' the miscellaneous motor, according to his witness statement, before he then come face-to-face with a masked man.

The former prince - who was stripped of his royal titles last year - said the individual 'turned and faced' him, adding: "He was wearing a balaclava face covering."

Andrew listed a description of the man, who he said was 'out-of-place'.

'He began to sprint after my vehicle'

"I then saw a loose dog running towards him," his statement continued. "Then he realised who I was and began to sprint after my vehicle."

Jenkinson was not physically inside the courtroom when Andrew's account of the incident in May was read, as he was denied entry to the building as he brought his dog along with him.

His solicitor Claire Howell told the judge that her client is 'homeless' and is currently staying in a Travelodge, saying: "He is not allowed to leave the dog there. It provides him with support, he suffers from ADHD."

She conceded that she has no documents to prove Jenkinson’s medical condition, or his need for a support animal.

Judge Ikram told Ms Howell that although the court can accommodate support animals and those with ADHD, he would need some proof of this.

Jenkinson, 39, wasn't allowed to enter the court on Thursday as he had his dog with him (Tom Jeffreys/PA Wire)

"I’m not prepared to have a dog in the courtroom simply because he is homeless and he happens to keep a dog," the deputy chief magistrate said. "I’m not saying he is not telling the truth but there’s nothing to corroborate it.

"We accommodate people who have ADHD and have support animals.I would want something more than he is homeless and happens to have a dog."

Judge Ikram ultimately decided that the hearing could take place in Jenkinson’s absence. He also heard and agreed an application for the police bid for a Stalking Protection Order to be adjourned.

According to his lawyer, Jenkinson has since found temporary accommodation where he can leave the dog for future hearings.

"I don’t want to give character evidence on behalf of the dog, but having spent the last hour and a half with him, I can say he is a very well-behaved animal," Ms Howell added.

What happens next

Andrew is said to have been left in 'fear [of] unlawful violence' during the alleged interaction with Jenkinson, which took place close to his Marsh Farm property.

The dog owner was detained under the Mental Health Act for around a month in wake of the incident. He has pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen of blood while in custody on 6 May.

Jenkinson denies the public order offence against Andrew. He has also pleaded not guilty to a further charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence against another man, Stephen Terry, in King’s Lynn, the day prior.

This isn't the last we will hear from Andrew on this matter either, as he is set to give evidence via video link at the criminal trial which is scheduled to start on 21 December.

Jenkinson, who comes from Stowmarket, Suffolk, is also fighting the making of the Stalking Protection Order.

The incident unfolded close to Andrew's Marsh Farm home on the Sandringham Estate (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

The judge ruled that Andrew, an eyewitness to the dog walking incident and Mr Terry must give evidence for a second time at the hearing to determine the outcome of Suffolk Police's application.

“I am persuaded that fairness demands the respondent to these proceedings [Jenkinson] be allowed to call and cross-examine these witnesses," he said.

During a hearing a few weeks ago, the court heard that alleged evidence found on Jenkinson's phone will be exposed during future court proceedings. It is claimed that he searched for Andrew, Sandringham and 'weapons'.

He is on bail and must follow conditions, including staying clear of a number of sites linked to the royal family, such as Sandringham, Buckingham Palace, Balmoral, Windsor and Highgrove.

As well as this, Jenkinson is forbidden from trying to contact Andrew directly or indirectly. He has also been ordered not to approach the royal or enter Norfolk.

A pre-trial hearing has been set for 22 January, 2027, at Loughborough Magistrates’ Court. Judge Ikram said the final hearing will take place at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 16 February.