Chef Heston’s sister sought for assault case against mother

POLICE are looking for the younger sister of Heston Blumenthal, the chef, after she failed to attend court to face charges of beating their mother.

A judge issued a warrant for the arrest of Alexis Blumenthal after she failed to appear in court accused of assaulting her 76-year-old mother, Celia, on Oct 7 and on Sept 9.

The 48-year-old was due to appear before Oxford magistrates’ court on Thursday charged with two counts of assault by beating. District Judge Tim Pattinson issued the warrant.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police confirmed that officers were looking for Miss Blumenthal.

She said: “We are attempting to locate her and anyone with information is encouraged to call us.”

Miss Blumenthal lives in Thame, Oxon, where the assault on Oct 7 was alleged to have taken place. The other was said to have occurred in the nearby town of Watlington where her mother lives.

Celia Blumenthal last night said she did not wish to make any comment on her daughter’s non-appearance, saying it was a private family matter.

Heston Blumenthal, who has made a series of popular cookery television shows and runs the Fat Duck restaurant in Bray, Berks, once described how his mother raised both children.

He once said: “My parents were... eccentric. My mum’s not shy in speaking her mind. My old man prefers an easy life – like me.

“Dad had a leasing company but retired over 15 years ago. Mum helped with the business and brought up me and my sister, Alexis.”