Highgrove intruder fined for theft plot

Desmond Kellaway had claimed he was lost when arrested yards from where the prince and his wife were asleep at Highgrove House.

Despite being armed with a pitchfork and holding a large cloth sack, he said he was looking for a pay phone after his car broke down.

The jobless 56-year-old from Bristol admitted he had made up the story and had, in fact, been scouring the area for scrap on January 30.

He pleaded guilty to entering the estate equipped for theft and was fined £100.

Outside Cheltenham magistrates court, Kellaway said: "I've always been a royalist.

"Justice has been served today and I am embarrassed by all of this.

"I promise I won't be committing any more crime in the future."

Kellaway, who has served four years for weapons offences and nine months for handling stolen furniture, was also ordered to pay £40 in court costs.

In April two intruders are believed to have entered the estate, again triggering alarms. Neither was caught.