BBC presenter pleads not guilty to coercive or controlling behavior

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

The 54-year-old, who hosts primetime show The Repair Shop, pleaded not guilty to a charge linked to Lisa-Marie Zbozen at Worcester Crown Court on Friday.

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.

The star is accused of behavior which had a “serious effect” on his partner, “namely that he made her fear on at least two occasions that violence would be used against her”.

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

Blades, from Claverley in Shropshire, appeared before Worcester Registrar Judge James Burbidge KC at Friday’s hearing.

Dressed in a dark suit and tie, the star spoke only to confirm his identity to the court clerk and to enter his plea.

An “abbreviated” copy of the indictment Blades faces was read to him before he pleaded not guilty, but a more detailed version of the charge against him was not read during the indictment. 12 minute hearing.

The judge told the defendant: “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.”

The judge rejected a request for part of the proceedings to take place behind closed doors.

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

He told the accused: “You have denied any responsibility for the crime with which you are charged and the prosecution proposes to try you.

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

Blades left the field without comment.

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