BBC presenter Jay Blades has denied engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his wife.
The 54-year-old, who fronts British primetime show The Repair Shop, entered a not guilty plea at Worcester Crown Court in England to one charge of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards Lisa-Marie Zbozen.
The charge alleges that controlling and coercive behaviour took place in an intimate or family relationship between January 1st, 2023, and September 12th this year.
Ms Zbozen announced that the pair’s relationship was over in an Instagram post on May 2n.
Blades, from Claverley in Shropshire, appeared before Judge James Burbidge KC on Friday.
Wearing a dark suit and tie, the star spoke only to confirm his identity to the court clerk and to enter his plea.
The charge against Blades alleges that his behaviour had a “serious effect” on his partner, “namely that it caused her to fear on at least two occasions that violence would be used against her”.
Judge Burbidge rejected an application for part of the proceedings to be heard in private.
Adjourning the case with a possible trial date of May 6th next year, the judge removed a bail condition that Blades should be subject to an electronic tag, which had not yet been fitted due to “failings” by the company responsible.
The judge told Blades: “You have denied responsibility for the crime alleged against you and the prosecution propose to try you.
“I remove the tagging of your exclusion zone but you are still subject to the exclusion zone.”
A “short-form” copy of the indictment facing Blades was read to him before he pleaded not guilty, but a more detailed version of the charge he faces was not read during the 12-minute hearing.
Adjourning the case, the judge told the TV star: “You are aware of the allegations against you because you have a particularised indictment.
“The jury will hear it and the public will then hear the allegations during the prosecution opening, with all those particulars then read out.”
Blades left the court without comment.
