Roxy Music star Bryan Ferry's son Otis remanded in custody

Sep 19 2008

ROCK star's son Otis Ferry, from Shropshire, has been remanded in custody after appearing in court to face charges of perverting the course of justice.

Countryside campaigner Ferry, 25, of Easton Mascot, son of Roxy Music singer Bryan Ferry, allegedly approached a witness involved in a robbery and assault trial he faces.

Cheltenham Magistrates' Court initially granted Ferry bail, but prosecutor Peter Ashby immediately lodged an appeal.

Ferry must remain in custody until the appeal application is heard on Friday at Gloucester Crown Court, sitting at Cirencester Magistrates' Court.

Mr Ashby said Ferry faces two charges of perverting the course of justice.

He allegedly contacted his former groomsman and potential witness David Hodgkiss by telephone on September 8 and asked him not to provide information to police.

The second count said that between September 7 and September 17, through a series of acts, Ferry contacted Mr Hodgkiss and threatened to "discredit him as a disgruntled employee".

Ferry was arrested by police on Wednesday and held overnight after his robbery and assault trial at Gloucester Crown Court was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

Ferry was to be tried for allegedly robbing and assaulting a hunt monitor last year as she filmed him at his sport. He denies all charges.

His counsel, Philip Lucas, said that his client denied all wrongdoing in relation to the new allegations. Mr Lucas said witness Mr Hodgkiss was unreliable and had a criminal record, with a total of 11 crimes of dishonesty to his name.