BBC presenter Jay Blades appeared in court on Tuesday to face a fresh charge of a driving offence. This comes shortly after he was charged with engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship. The Repair Shop host, aged 54, is accused of using his mobile phone while driving in Wombourne, Staffordshire, in April last year, a charge which he had previously denied.
Blades arrived at Cannock Magistrates’ Court in a black suit, clutching a bottle of water, looking somber. Last Friday, he attended Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court regarding the charge of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour, which involves his estranged wife Lisa Zbozen, a fitness instructor. Their relationship came to light in May after Lisa Zbozen shared on social media that it had ended. West Mercia Police initiated an investigation after officers were called to an address following Zbozen’s Instagram post.
The father of three is scheduled to appear at Worcester Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on October 11. Following his initial charge, Blades resigned from his ambassadorship with the King’s Foundation. He had previously won a daytime BAFTA TV award for a Repair Shop special that featured the King, who was the Prince of Wales at that time.
The latest court appearance adds to the legal challenges Blades is currently facing, as the public awaits further updates on the outcome of these cases.