Peer admits road rage

2:25pm Monday 6th August 2007

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The Marquess of Blandford has admitted a road rage attack on another driver's car.

Oxford Crown Court was told that Jamie Spencer-Churchill had tailgated other drivers at high speed, twice overtook motorist Graeme Kennedy and stopped suddenly, causing Mr Kennedy to brake sharply on August 22 last year.

Spencer-Churchill then stopped in the middle of the road, blocking both lanes of traffic, ran back to Mr Kennedy's car swearing and shouting and kicked out at the driver's door.

He admitted a charge of careless driving and criminal damage following an incident on the A4095 in Oxfordshire on August 22 last year.

The heir to the Blenheim Palace estate, also admitted a charge of dangerous driving on the A4260 between Banbury and Wootton, in January this year.

The peer, who has a history of crime and drug problems, is said to be making "positive progress" under the care of doctors at the Priory, a centre which helps people battle addiction. He was bailed to an address in South London so he can continue to make outpatient appointments.

Defence counsel Peter Binder said: "His doctor does say that he feels my client would benefit from remaining there, certainly for the short term."

Judge Morton-Jack released Spencer-Churchill on bail for a pre-sentence report and a medical report.

Spencer-Churchill, of Wootton Downs, near Woodstock, Oxon was also banned from driving.

The son of the 11th Duke of Marlborough has a history of drug abuse and driving offences. He spent a month in jail in 1995 for forging prescriptions to feed his habit.