‘Trespass? I live here’

An intruder who was caught roaming in the grounds of St James’s Palace thinks that he lives there, a court heard.

Thomas Severn, 41, was arrested for trespassing at the royal residence off Pall Mall in central London on March 6 this year.

Severn suffers from a condition ‘that makes him think he resides at the palace,’ Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.

St James’s Palace is the London residence of royals including Princess Beatrice and Princess Alexandra.

Prince Edward and Princess Anne were both attending events at the palace that day.

Prosecutor Frances McCormack said: ‘He (Severn) entered via a pedestrian gate which says you can’t come in unless you have permission.

‘In doing so, he walked past a prominent sign stating that St James’s Palace is a protected site. He was within the grounds, but did not go into the palace itself.

‘He was in the grounds for eight minutes.’

Police officers found Severn casually strolling in the palace grounds and arrested him.

Severn, of Barking, east London, appeared in court dressed in black, speaking to confirm his personal details and plead not guilty to one count of trespass on a protected site.

Anna Wright, defending, said: ‘We are going to be getting a psychiatric report. Mr Severn did not know or believe it was a designated site.

‘He has a disorder that makes him think he resides at the palace. Further details of that will be given in due course.

‘It is not disputed that St James Palace is a protected site.’

District Judge Michael Snow granted Severn unconditional bail and told him: ‘Your trial won’t take place until March 25 next year. I am sorry it is so far away. Make sure you are there for 9.30am.

‘If you don’t turn up you will be guilty for a separate offence.’

A further case management hearing was set for December 17 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
ENDS