Disgraced sex pest Earl in furious bust up at private club

UNTIL barely a year ago, he had the dubious distinction of being the only earl behind bars — thanks to a conviction for a drunken sexual assault on a female guest at Glamis Castle, his family seat and the childhood home of his great-great aunt, the Queen Mother.

the shocking episode resulted in Simon Bowes-lyon, 19th Earl of Strathmore, being given a ten-month sentence — and being stripped of his role as honorary chieftain of the Strathmore Highland Games, held on the 16,500-acre Glamis estate.

now i can reveal that the 36-yearold, released from HMP Perth after serving five months, is learning that the path back to social acceptance is as perilous in london as it is in Scotland — as illustrated by an incident at his St James’s club, the turf.

two starkly differing versions of the episode have emerged.

Both agree that it began with an altercation in the club’s dining room. ‘ Words were exchanged with some of those on the table next to his,’ i’m told. ‘they soon had enough of him and went for him — chased him out of the dining room.’

Strathmore, insists this informant, took refuge with the porter at the club’s entrance, only for the porter to advise him, in no uncertain terms, to leave the club.

Subsequently, it is alleged, the club — favoured by sporting gentlemen such as lord Hesketh —

alerted Strathmore that he was no longer welcome.

But friends of Strathmore insist that this is grossly wrong.

‘there was, clearly, some kind of disagreement — an exchange of views,’ one of them tells me. ‘But it was over in a few moments.’

there was, adds the friend, no question of Strathmore being told to leave, still less being barred from returning. ‘ He’s been back at least twice since then.’

After his conviction last year, Strathmore spoke of his shame. ‘i did not think i was capable of behaving the

way i did,’ he said, ‘but have had to face up to it and take responsibility.’