A penny for the thoughts of the Duke of Marlborough.

He must be beside himself with rage over the latest alleged antics of his wayward son, the Marquess of Blandford.

There was a time when it was thought Jamie had put behind him a life dominated by drug taking, crime, driving offences and jail sentences.

With a second marriage and a child in tow, his life seemed to be back on track, but again, he has hit the downward spiral.

This week, he has appeared in court accused of a road rage attack and other motoring misdemeanours.

Today, he is accused of racially abusing a taxi driver who promptly dumped him at the roadside, causing him to miss a court appearance.

What a wasted life. He may have destroyed himself, but thank goodness, as a result of his father's actions, he won't be allowed to wreck one of Britain's treasures, Blenheim Palace, when sadly and undeservedly he inherits the title.