Criminal charges against Lord Cardigan have been adjourned after Judge Euan Ambrose was told at Swindon Crown Court that he has parted company with his legal aid solicitors.
He was due to enter pleas on charges of theft and criminal damage but Judge Ambrose adjourned the hearing until November 2 after learning his lawyers have withdrawn from the case. This will give him time to find a new solicitor.
Lord Cardigan, of Savernake Lodge, near Marlborough, also revealed that he had to go to America where his wife is due in court seeking custody of her son.
Appearing under the name David Brudenell-Bruce, the 59-year-old peer is accused of damaging a pheasant feeders and drinkers to the value of £66 between June 4 and June 29.
He is further accused of the theft of a battery and electrical power unit worth £80 on Saturday June 23 following events alleged to have taken place on the Savernake Forest estate.
Marie-Claire Amuah, who had represented him when the case was before magistrates, told the judge on Monday that her instructing solicitors had decided to cease representing him that morning.
Cardigan told the court that he had “heard on the grapevine” that his solicitors, London based J.D. Spicer and Co, were going to cease to represent him.
“I didn’t think today would be going ahead because I heard some time ago that they would be walking away from the case,” Lord Cardigan told the judge from the dock.
“I have heard from a mutual friend that they are pulling out — not very professional. indeed I was slightly surprised to see Miss Amuah here this morning.”
He said he would seek new representation immediately as he was due to fly to Arizona next week as his wife, an American citizen, was due in court on a child custody case. He hoped to be back in the last few days of the month.
Lord Cardigan was released on bail until November 2 on condition he does not have contact with five named people or go within 50 metres of their homes.
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