BBC presenter Jay Blades has denied accusations of controlling or coercive behavior towards his wife, Lisa-Marie Zbozen. The 54-year-old, known for presenting The Repair Shop, entered a not guilty plea in relation to the charge at Worcester Crown Court. The alleged behavior took place between January 1, 2023, and September 12 of this year, with claims that it had a serious impact on his partner, causing her to fear violence.
Following the announcement of their relationship ending by Zbozen on Instagram, Blades appeared in court before Judge James Burbidge KC. During the brief hearing, the star confirmed his identity and entered his plea of not guilty. While a detailed version of the charge was not read in court, the judge informed Blades that the jury and the public would hear the allegations during the prosecution’s opening.
Despite an application for part of the proceedings to be held in private being rejected by the judge, the case was adjourned with a potential trial date set for May 6. Additionally, the bail condition requiring Blades to wear an electronic tag was removed due to issues with its implementation by the responsible company. The judge emphasized that while the exclusion zone tagging was removed, Blades still had to adhere to the exclusion zone restrictions.
As the case progresses, more details will unfold in this developing news story. It is important to note that Blades left the court without providing any further comments on the matter. The outcome of the trial will determine the resolution of these serious allegations against the BBC presenter. Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing legal matter.
