Stab threat to Princess Anne

A MAN who repeatedly threatened to stab Princess Anne was found was found in the grounds of her home in the Cotswolds, a court heard.

James Ballinger, 35, called police in February saying he was going to stab her because she was ‘controlling his mind’. He was later found at her Gatcombe Park estate. The paranoid schizophrenic reportedly wanted to be arrested to help him get mental health support.

He was due to appear in court on July 17 but on Wednesday he again threatened to stab the princess. He was arrested and appeared in court yesterday via video link. Ballinger pleaded guilty to two charges of malicious communication to police. He was handed a 12-month community order which includes mental health support.