Stalker's threat to stab the Princess Royal at her home
James Ballinger entered the grounds of Gatcombe Park and was detained by protection officers
By
Hannah Furness,
ARTS CORRESPONDENT
20 June 2020 • 12:18am
A man who repeatedly threatened to stab the Princess Royal was found by royal protection officers entering the grounds of her home, a court heard.
James Ballinger, 35, made a series of 999 calls to police on Feb 27 stating he was going to Gatcombe Park in the Cotswolds to stab the Princess and "anybody else who was there", Cheltenham magistrates were told.
He told the call handler that the Princess was "controlling his mind by moving his satellites", said Cathy Thornton, prosecuting. Later that day, at 3.15pm, he was found at Gatcombe Park and detained by Royal Household protection officers, she said. He was unarmed.
Ballinger told officers he had mental health issues and he hoped his arrest would get him the help he needed.
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Andrew Hill, chairman of the magistrates, sentenced Ballinger to a 12-month community order which includes attending a programme to address his alcohol and mental health problems as well as a six-day rehabilitation activity.
A six-month exclusion order banning Ballinger from entering Gatcombe Park was also imposed.
A spokesman for Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
In 1974, the Princess was the victim of a kidnap attempt in which Ian Ball forced her car to stop in the Mall, in London, before attempting to attack her.