BBC star and former chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University Jay Blades appeared in court this morning to face a charge of using a mobile phone while driving – amid separate accusations of abusive behaviour towards his wife. 

The Repair Shop host appeared at Walsall Magistrates' Court this morning, Tuesday, September 17, to face a charge of using his mobile phone while driving in Wombourne, Staffordshire, last April, which he has previously denied.

The case was dismissed after a short two-minute hearing when magistrates were told that a police officer involved in the proceedings was unfit to appear in court.

Magistrate Neil Ravenscroft told Blades, who stood at the back of the court with his hands clasped behind his back: “The matter will be dismissed, and you are free to go.”

Blades replied “Thank you, sir” before leaving the courtroom.

The 54-year-old also appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday after being charged with one count of controlling or coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife, Lisa Zbozen.

Blades, who studied criminology and philosophy at Buckinghamshire New University in the early 2000s, resigned from his role as chancellor last week.

He also stepped down from his ambassador position in the King’s Foundation charity on Sunday, following the charge.