Jay Blades’ electronic tag removed as BBC star pleads not guilty to coercive behaviour charge

Jay Blades, the host of The Repair Shop, entered a not-guilty plea after pleading not guilty to the charge of coercive or controlling behavior toward his estranged wife.

He made an appearance at Worcester Crown Court this afternoon to confirm his identity and enter a plea. Last month, police in an intimate or family relationship charged Blades with engaging in controlling or coercive behavior. Blades rose to fame with the popular BBC series.

The charge relates to his wife Lisa Zbozen, a fitness instructor, according to court documents. During his court appearance, a short-form copy of the indictment facing Blades was read to him before he pleaded not guilty. The 12-minute hearing did not hear a more in-depth explanation of the charge he faces.

Judge James Burbidge KC informed Blades, “You are aware of the allegations against you because you have a particularized indictment. During the prosecution opening, the jury will hear it, and the allegations will be heard by the public before those details will be read out. Blades left the court without comment.

According to the charge brought against Blades, Blades’ behavior “serious effect” on his partner “was that it caused her to fear that violence would be used against her on at least twice.” A request for a portion of the proceedings to be heard in private was rejected by Judge James Burbidge KC.

The judge ended the case by appointing a trial date of May 6th, following a possible trial date of that month. Blades should now be subject to an electronic tag, which the company responsible has not yet installed due to “failings.” You have denied guilt for the crime that you are accused of, and the prosecution is preparing to try you, the judge told Blades. You are still in the exclusion zone despite the removal of the tagging.

In an Instagram post on May 2, Ms. Zbozen declared that their relationship was over. Less than two years after their exotic Barbados wedding ceremony in November 2022, the couple split. Blades, 54, was bailed until his next court appearance on September 13 when he made an appearance in Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court in relation to the same charge.

When Blades first hosted The Repair Shop for BBC Two in 2017, he quickly gained notoriety. The father-of-three served as the lead presenter for a special BBC series starring the newly crowned King Charles in October 2022.

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Source: Mirror