The Earl of Cardigan is to face a jury trial after denying allegations of criminal damage and theft on his estate last month.

The earl, 59, is accused of one count of criminal damage to pheasant feeders and of a theft of a battery and electrical unit from the Savernake Estate where he lives.

He appeared as David Brudenell-Bruce at Swindon Magistrates’ Court today, wearing a dark double-breasted suit and black tie - he attended court shortly before his late ex-wife Rosamond Winkley’s funeral - and entered formal not guilty pleas to both charges.

It follows an appearance at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court last week during which he collapsed and had to be taken to hospital, meaning he was unift to plead.

Crown prosecutor Michelle Hewitt said the criminal damage allegation referred to some damaged pheasant feeders belonging to Savernake gamekeeper Peter Tilley, which came to the value of £66 and the alleged theft of a battery and electrical unit also belonging to Mr Tilley, valued at £80.

Marie-Claire Amuah, acting for Mr Brudenell-Bruce, said her client denies the charges.

She said: “He contests both allegations - his case will involve complex legal arguments.”

The earl, of Savernake Lodge, Savernake, near Marlborough, chose to be tried by a jury.

He is also due to stand trial at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on October 5 on two other charges, one of assault and one of criminal damage.

Judge Cooper released him on bail on condition that he has no contact with the five witnesses in the case, which was adjourned to Swindon Magistrates’ Court on September 6.

During the hearing he asked the judge about his ex-wife’s burial this afternoon, as he said he feared breaking his bail conditions if he went to the service because one of the people he was ordered to keep away from was likely to also attend.

“I am in two minds. She was the mother of my two children and we had 20 very happy years of marriage," the earl said afterwards.

“She was the centre of my world and the mother of my kids and therefore I seem prepared to go.

“The service is taking place in the church built by my ancestors and she is being buried on my estate.

“Quietly sitting at the back of the church, putting flowers on the grave and tiptoeing away seems reasonable to me.”

Ms Winkley died last week from cancer. She was the mother of the earl's two children, James and Catherine, who is better known as singer Bo Bruce, star of The Voice TV show.