Prince Andrew has described the moment he says an alleged stalker wearing a balaclava chased after him near his Sandringham estate, as a court heard details of the encounter that has led to criminal proceedings and an application for a Stalking Protection Order.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s account was read aloud during a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where 39-year-old Alex Jenkinson appeared in connection with the incident.

Jenkinson is accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards the former Duke of York during an encounter near Wolferton, Norfolk, on May 6.

Prosecutors allege his actions caused Andrew to fear unlawful violence while he was out near his home on the Sandringham Estate.

Jenkinson denies the public order offence.

During the hearing, Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram read extracts from Andrew’s witness statement, which is expected to form a key part of both the criminal prosecution and a separate application by Suffolk Police for a civil Stalking Protection Order.

The order is intended to place restrictions on an individual where police believe there is evidence of stalking behaviour, even if criminal proceedings are ongoing.

According to the statement, Andrew had been walking his dogs on the Sandringham estate before returning to a vehicle with members of his security team.

He recalled noticing a parked car that he initially believed belonged to photographers or members of the media.

As his vehicle drove past, Andrew said he noticed a man standing nearby who was wearing a balaclava.

The former Duke described the individual as looking “out of place” in the rural setting.

Andrew said he continued observing the man before noticing a loose dog running in his direction.

Moments later, he claimed the man appeared to recognise him.

According to the witness statement read in court, the situation then escalated rapidly.

Andrew said: “I then saw a loose dog running towards him.

“Then he realised who I was and began to sprint after my vehicle.”

Prosecutors allege the incident left Andrew fearing unlawful violence.

The alleged confrontation took place close to Marsh Farm, where Andrew has been living following his withdrawal from public royal duties.

Police claim the evidence gathered during their investigation justifies both the criminal prosecution and a Stalking Protection Order designed to prevent any future contact.

The court heard Suffolk Police are relying not only on Andrew’s witness statement but also on evidence recovered from Jenkinson’s mobile phone in support of their application.

Specific details of the phone evidence were not discussed during Thursday’s hearing.

Jenkinson has pleaded guilty to a separate offence of failing to provide a specimen of blood while in police custody on the day of the incident.

However, he continues to deny the allegation that he committed a public order offence against Andrew.

The court also heard Jenkinson was detained under the Mental Health Act for around one month following the incident.

No further details about that detention were disclosed during the hearing.

Proceedings took an unusual turn before the case even began after Jenkinson arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court accompanied by his dog, named Indie.

Court staff refused to allow the animal into the building, meaning Jenkinson remained outside while legal arguments continued inside the courtroom.

His solicitor, Claire Howell, explained that her client had no alternative but to bring the dog because he is currently homeless and living in temporary accommodation at a Travelodge.

She told the court the dog provided emotional support because Jenkinson suffers from ADHD.

However, Howell accepted she had brought no medical evidence confirming either the diagnosis or that the animal was a recognised assistance or support dog.

Judge Ikram said the court could not simply accept the claim without supporting evidence.

“I’m not prepared to have a dog in the courtroom simply because he is homeless and he happens to keep a dog,” the judge said.

“I’m not saying he is not telling the truth, but there’s nothing to corroborate it.”

As a result, the hearing continued without Jenkinson being physically present inside the courtroom.

At the conclusion of proceedings, Judge Ikram agreed to extend the interim Stalking Protection Order already in place against Jenkinson.

The order will remain in force while the case progresses through the courts.

A pre-trial hearing has now been scheduled for January 22 at Loughborough Magistrates’ Court.

The full trial and final hearing relating to both the criminal allegation and the Stalking Protection Order application are expected to take place at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on February 16.

No findings of fact have yet been made in relation to the allegation involving Andrew.

Jenkinson continues to deny the public order charge and remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proved guilty in court.

The case comes as Prince Andrew continues to live largely out of the public spotlight following his withdrawal from official royal duties.

While no longer a working member of the Royal Family, he remains at the centre of significant public and media attention, with security continuing to accompany him during movements around his residence.

The hearing focused solely on the alleged incident in Norfolk and the legal issues surrounding the criminal charge and proposed Stalking Protection Order.

The court did not hear any evidence relating to the wider controversies surrounding Andrew or Jenkinson beyond matters directly connected to the alleged encounter.

Both the criminal case and the application for a permanent Stalking Protection Order will continue when the matter returns to court next year.