Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, last week recounted an incident involving an alleged stalker on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. The encounter occurred on May 6, when the former prince said he came face-to-face with a man wearing a balaclava who was pursuing him as he walked his dogs.

Alex Jenkinson, 39, is charged with using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behavior toward Mountbatten-Windsor during the incident. Suffolk Police have also sought a civil Stalking Protection Order against Jenkinson. The application is supported by evidence provided by the former duke and material retrieved from Jenkinson’s phone.

During a hearing at Westminster magistrates’ court on Thursday, Mountbatten-Windsor’s statement was read aloud. The proceedings drew additional attention after Jenkinson was refused entry to the courtroom because he had brought his dog with him. His attorney explained that her client is homeless and currently residing at a Travelodge, where he is unable to leave the dog behind. She further stated the dog serves as emotional support, citing Jenkinson’s attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

However, Judge Ikram rejected this reasoning, expressing reluctance to allow an animal in the courtroom based solely on the defendant’s living circumstances and the presence of the dog. Consequently, the hearing continued without Jenkinson inside; he remained outside with his dog, Indie. Jenkinson’s arm was reportedly in a sling.

Jenkinson is currently out on bail with conditions that prohibit him from approaching Sandringham Estate, Buckingham Palace, Balmoral, Windsor, Highgrove, and the former Duke of York himself. The case is set to return to court for trial on December 21.