THE Marquis of Blandford was arrested by police last night after
failing to appear in court on theft and deception charges.
The 38-year-old heir of the Duke of Marlborough was stopped in a car
by police officers in west London.
He was to be held overnight at Chelsea police station, which has a
warrant for his arrest, Scotland yard said.
Yesterday morning he had failed to appear in court to face charges of
stealing a chequebook, deception, and making off without paying a taxi
fare.
He left his house in Chelsea for an hour at midday, and again around
mid-afternoon, telling reporters he was on his way to court.
Wearing a scruffy grey sweatshirt and purple tracksuit trousers, he
walked briskly along a couple of streets before getting into his orange
Mini Metro.
However, he did not appear at the magistrates court.
Last month trustees for the Duke of Marlborough's estate launched
legal action to prevent the Marquis from inheriting control of Blenheim
Palace and its surrounding estates.
The Duke, 67, is said to be concerned at the prospect of his heir
getting control of the family seat and lands.
The Marquis has faced charges in the past including possession of
drugs. He spent three days in jail after failing to pay maintenance to
his estranged wife and their son.
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