Dynasty star’s ex in court on gun charge
THE Bafta-nominated former husband of Dynasty TV star Stephanie Beacham appeared in court yesterday over a gun scare at a Wetherspoons pub.
Stage and screen actor John McEnery, 73, is alleged to have caused panic after he burst into The Leading Light pub in Faversham, Kent, with a fake weapon.
He was charged with possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
McEnery, nominated for a Bafta for playing Mercutio in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film Romeo And Juliet, spoke in a clear, loud voice as he stood in the dock at Maidstone magistrates’ court.
After arriving late for the hearing, McEnery explained to the bench: “It is difficult to get here from Faversham, especially when you have no money. I don’t have any money, I’m afraid.”
McEnery, who also starred in films Fury in 1973 and The Krays in 1990, was in blue shorts, sandals and a brown jacket for his court appearance.
He confirmed his personal details, told the court he had no fixed address and indicated he would plead not guilty.
He was conditionally bailed to appear for a preliminary hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on September 22. No injuries were reported in the alleged incident at 8.22am on August 8.
McEnery married Ms Beacham, now 70, in 1973. The couple had two daughters, Phoebe, now 42, and Chloe, now 40. The marriage ended in 1979.
In 2010 Phoebe, also an actress, told how her mother had helped to rescue her from a nightmare world of drug abuse.
She revealed how Ms Beacham, who also starred in The Colbys, Tenko and Coronation Street, had gone on Celebrity Big Brother for the £100,000 fee to help her daughter’s recovery.