BBC presenter Jay Blades has pled not guilty to the charge of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his wife. The 54-year-old, known for hosting the popular show The Repair Shop, appeared before the Recorder of Worcester, Judge James Burbidge KC on Friday. Blades, from Claverley in Shropshire, entered the not guilty plea to one charge alleging that the behaviour took place between January 1, 2023, and September 12 this year in an intimate or family relationship with Lisa-Marie Zbozen.
Ms Zbozen publicly announced the end of their relationship on Instagram on May 2. During the court appearance, Blades, dressed in a dark suit and tie, confirmed his identity and entered the plea, speaking only when necessary. The charge specifies that Blades’ behaviour caused his partner to fear violence would be used against her on at least two occasions. Judge Burbidge dismissed a request for part of the proceedings to be private and set a possible trial date for May 6 next year.
While a bail condition regarding an electronic tag was removed due to delays by the responsible company, the exclusion zone restriction remains in place for Blades. The judge assured Blades that he is aware of the allegations due to a specific indictment and will hear them detailed during the trial proceedings. Blades, honoured with an MBE in 2021 for services to craft, left the court without making any comments.
The detailed indictment was not read during the brief 12-minute hearing. The judge informed Blades that the jury and the public would hear the specifics of the charge during the prosecution’s opening statements at trial. Blades’ denial of responsibility for the alleged crime indicates his intention to contest the charge. The case has been adjourned with the trial set for next year, maintaining the exclusion zone order on Blades.