A Brent-born BBC presenter who has been charged with engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour towards his wife has denied the charge in court.
Jay Blades has submitted a 'not guilty' plea at Worcester Crown Court in response to the single charge.
The 54-year-old was born in Brent and raised in Hackney, and is best known for his presenting role in The Repair Shop.
The charge against him alleges that the behaviour took place in an intimate or family relationship between January 1 2023 and September 12 this year.
His estranged wife, Lisa Bozen, took to Instagram on May 2 to announce that their relationship had come to an end after the pair wed in November 2022.
The presenter appeared before the Recorder of Worcester, Judge James Burbridge KC today (October 11).
He addressed the court to confirm his identity and enter his not guilty plea.
An application to have part of the proceedings heard in private was rejected by the judge, with the court adjourned for a potential trial date of May 6, 2025.
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Details of the charge allege that Blades' 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”.
A bail condition that Blades should be subject to an electronic tag that had not yet been fitted was removed.
The hearing lasted for twelve minutes before the presenter left the court without comment.
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