Earl of Cardigan is sent to hospital after collapsing in court (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Earl of Cardigan is sent to hospital after collapsing in court

10:27am Thursday 5th July 2012 in Marlborough

A Senior District Judge yesterday adjourned a case against Lord Cardigan because he was deemed unfit to plead.

The Earl was arrested on Tuesday evening and held in police cells on charges of criminal damage to pheasant feeders and of a theft of a battery from the Savernake Estate where he lives.

He was held in custody overnight and was due to appear yesterday but Senior District Judge Emma Arbuthnot had to be summoned to hear the case as it was considered so sensitive.

Lord Cardigan appearing as David Brudenell-Bruce was brought in to the court in a collapsed state supported by three dock officers.

Marie-Claire Amuah, defending, said she had been unable to take instructions from her client because of his condition and asked for an adjournment as she claimed he was unfit to plead.

Lord Cardigan remained seated throughout the hearing at Salisbury Magistrates Court and nodded to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

Lord Cardigan is due to stand trial at Salisbury Magistrates Court on October 5 on two other charges, one of assault and one of criminal damage. He appeared before magistrates on those charges last week.

Judge Arbuthnot said she was concerned for Lord Cardigan’s safety if he was released but she was assured that an ambulance was standing by to take him to Salisbury District Hospital.

She released him on bail on condition that he has no contact with the five witnesses in the case and it was adjourned to Swindon Magistrates on July 12.