BBC presenter Jay Blades pleads not guilty to coercive and controlling behavior

By Matthew Cooper, PA

BBC presenter Jay Blades has denied engaging in controlling or coercive behavior towards his wife.

The 54-year-old, who hosts prime-time UK show The Repair Shop, pleaded not guilty at Worcester Crown Court in England to a charge of controlling or coercive behavior towards Lisa- Marie Zbozen.

The charge alleges that controlling and coercive behavior took place in an intimate or domestic relationship between January 1, 2023 and September 12 of this year.

Ms. Zbozen announced that the pair’s relationship was over in an Instagram post on May 2.

Blades, from Claverley in Shropshire, appeared before Judge James Burbidge KC on Friday.

Dressed in 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 his behavior had a “serious effect” on his partner, “namely causing her to fear on at least two occasions that violence would be used against her”.

Mr Justice Burbidge refused a request for part of the proceedings to be heard in camera.

Adjourning the case with a possible trial date of May 6 next year, the judge removed a bail condition that Blades had to be subject to an electronic tag, which had not yet been installed due to of “failures” of the responsible company.

The judge told Blades: “You have denied responsibility for the crime alleged against you and the prosecution proposes to try you.

“I am removing your exclusion zone marking but you are still subject to the exclusion zone.”

An “abbreviated” copy of the indictment facing Blades was read to him before he pleaded not guilty, but a more detailed version of the charge against him 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 specific indictment.

“The jury will hear it and the public will then hear the allegations when the prosecution opens, with all those details then read out.”

Blades left the field without comment.