The Repair Shop's Jay Blades 'could face five year prison sentence if found guilty'

Jay Blades "could face a prison sentence of up to five years" if he is found guilty, according to a lawyer. The BBC presenter has been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour against his wife, Lisa Zbozen.

Lawyer George Wilson from McAlister Family Law has explained to Express Online on why coercive and controlling behaviour is considered a form of domestic abuse, and the potential repercussions for the Repair Shop star.

He said: "Controlling and coercive behaviour is a form of domestic abuse different to the typical ‘black eye’ or ‘bruised lip’ examples that are commonly considered as abuse.

"Often, coercive and controlling behaviour can be difficult to prove, due to the complex patterns of behaviour associated with the form of abuse.

"Usually, victims of coercive and controlling behaviour are isolated from their friends and family and deprived of their everyday independence. Abusers will often manipulate their partner (or family member) in various ways such as gaslighting, tracking whereabouts, controlling finances, or threatening to disclose intimate details to friends and family."

George added: "In Jay Blade’s case, if found guilty he will most likely lose his job and could be on the end of a restraining order. In the most severe cases, someone can face a five year jail prison sentence for coercive and controlling behaviour."

Jay is expected to appear at Worcester Crown Court on October 11. The 54 year old appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday (13.09.24), with the charge confirmed by West Mercia Police.

His estranged wife announced the end of their brief marriage in May this year, after the couple got married at a beachfront villa in Barbados in November 2022.

Jay has three children, a daughter from his first marriage and two sons from previous relationships.