The 32-year-old had sorted himself a three-course meal. Trouble is, he didn’t pay for it.
Tag Archives: oceania
All the UK newspaper front pages the day after ex-prince’s arrest
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may be out of police custody, but judging by the UK media's plans for tomorrow's coverage, the public eye remains fixed on the former prince.
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested yesterday evening on his 66th birthday and held for 12 hours as part of an investigation into suspected misconduct in public office.
He has been released without charge, and a Reuters photographer managed to snap a picture of the apparently shellshocked former prince hunkering down in the back of a car as he left the police station.
LIVE UPDATES: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested
Judging by its prominence on tomorrow's UK front pages, it's destined to be part of the historical record.
Here's how the English dailies are covering the latest events in the Prince Andrew saga.
The centuries-old law that could put Andrew behind bars for life
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest has come as the former prince is under heavy scrutiny for his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and accusations – strenuously denied by Andrew – that Australian woman Virginia Roberts Giuffre was forced to have sex with the disgraced royal.
However, the charge he was arrested on suspicion of, misconduct in public office, is not related to sexual misconduct, although it is linked to his relationship with Epstein.
This is what we know about it.
ANDREW ARRESTED: 'This is unprecedented': King's brother in custody as two addresses searched
What exactly is 'misconduct in public office'?
The charge of misconduct in public office is an old one in the UK, dating back to at least the 18th century.
The offence has been noted as extremely hard to define and a high evidential bar for prosecutors to clear.
The Crown Prosecution Service says the offence is committed when a public officer acting as such wilfully neglects to perform their duty and/or wilfully misconducts themselves to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public's trust in the office holder without reasonable excuse or justification.
Notably, no politician in the UK has ever been successfully convicted of the offence, though over the years several have been charged.
In recent years, prison officers have been prosecuted for the offence after having inappropriate relationships with inmates, as well as police officers leaking information.
US PRESIDENT REACTS: Donald Trump says Andrew's arrest 'very, very sad to me'
How does it relate to Andrew?
UK police have not charged Andrew as yet, nor have they suggested their investigation is connected with any dealings the ex-prince had with Epstein, the convicted sex offender who was found dead in a jail cell in 2019.
However, we do know the arrest comes shortly after millions of documents in the Epstein files were released by the US Justice Department, some of which named and pictured the British royal.
And while the misconduct in public office offence isn't specifically linked to an allegation of sexual wrongdoing against Andrew, it does appear to relate to his association with Epstein.
From 2001 to 2011, Mountbatten-Windsor held an official role as a UK trade envoy.
FROM PRINCE TO PARIAH: Timeline of events that led to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest
This is what prosecutors will point to as a "public office" if any charges are laid – although this element alone is not a straightforward process.
"Firstly, it must be determined if Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was in a role within government that constitutes the title of public officer," Sean Caulfield, a criminal defence lawyer at Hodge Jones and Allen, said.
"There is no standard definition to clearly draw on."
Thames Valley Police previously confirmed it was looking into reports Mountbatten-Windsor sent confidential trade reports to Epstein in 2010.
Documents in those recently released Epstein files suggest Andrew passed on official government documents to the late financier when he was the trade envoy.
EXPLAINED: What happens next after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested
Specifically, emails appeared to show him sharing reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore.
One, dated November 2010, appeared to be forwarded by Andrew five minutes after he had received it.
In another a few weeks later, he appeared to send Epstein a confidential brief on investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Afghanistan's Helmand Province.
Andrew has long denied any wrongdoing over his Epstein links.
What's the maximum sentence for misconduct in public office?
If charged and then found guilty by a jury, Andrew could spend the rest of his life behind bars, as the offence carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
However, experts believe he would be likely to be handed a shorter sentence if convicted – although they've also said a guilty finding would be difficult to achieve.
– with Associated Press
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
- Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
- Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
- Sign up to our breaking newsletter here
Serious two-vehicle crash west of Feilding injures four, road closed
The Serious Crash Unit has been notified and is investigating the scene.
Body of woman found in Queensland home may have ‘been there for some time’
A post-mortem will be conducted on the body of a woman found at a home in Ipswich, west of Brisbane.
The woman's body was found about 1.30pm yesterday, two hours after a man was taken into custody following a disturbance in the street.
Police say it appears the body may have been inside the Bellbird Park home for some time.
READ MORE: How a blood test could predict if and when you could get Alzheimer's
The man is receiving a medical assessment and will be assisting police.
A crime scene was declared at the home and investigations are ongoing.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
- Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
- Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
- Sign up to our breaking newsletter here
Zaroa NZ Salami products recalled due to concern over food safety controls
All batches of the three Zaroa NZ salamis are affected and must not be eaten.
Auckland Rainbow Parade 2026: Police to help with security, fine weather set to attract crowds
Last year Destiny protesters broke through police barricades and performed a haka.
Northcote College fire: Union blames Fire and Emergency for delay in response
The fire gutted the college’s oldest building a year before its 150th jubilee.
Missing Glenfield woman: Police appeal for help to find Katherine, 45
Katherine has not contacted her family since yesterday.
Police presence on Onehunga Mall after serious incident
Police were called at 3.46pm after reports of an altercation.