Jay Blades, who as soon as hosted the beloved BBC collection The Restore Store, has claimed he has been left “unable to work” since dealing with allegations of rape. Blades, 55, appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Courtroom by way of video hyperlink this morning (Wednesday, September 10) to disclaim two counts of rape.
Susan Meek, who was defending Blades, mentioned he had been unable to work because the allegations surfaced, including: “It’s an awfully very long time for him not to have the ability to work.” The London-born presenter’s trial is not going to happen till subsequent September. Throughout the listening to, which lasted simply over 20 minutes, Choose Anthony Lowe expressed his remorse on the “backlog” that’s inflicting an ideal delay to Blades’ trial.
“I perceive the applying you make, Ms Meek, however the actuality is, maybe with the press’s consideration on this case, it would not less than deliver it extra to the general public area – the persistent place we’re in, in relation to the backlog,” the Choose acknowledged to the courtroom.
Blades has been granted conditional bail till his trial is scheduled for September 2027.
The decide instructed the previous TV star, who lives in Claverley, Shropshire, that the matter should be determined by a jury.
He added: “I’m sorry to say that that won’t happen for successfully over two years – till September 20, 2027. I remorse that. Not as a lot as you do however I do remorse it.
“It isn’t a correct justice system the place individuals are having to attend that size of time for his or her trial however I’m afraid there’s simply nothing I can do. That, I’m afraid, is simply the state of the place we’re with excellent trials.”
Nevertheless, the Choose did say the timing of the trial might change, however it would depend upon different instances.
Blades, who began internet hosting The Restore Store in 2017, stepped again from presenting final 12 months.
Except for internet hosting the present, he is appeared on Celeb Bake Off, Comedian Reduction and Celeb MasterChef.
A case administration listening to, which the defendant doesn’t need to attend, will happen on Might 15 subsequent 12 months.
