PP33
Harpist accused of burglaries was hooked on heroin during Royal appointment
A former official harpist to the Prince of Wales accused of committing a series of burglaries told a court that she was hooked on heroin while she held her royal appointment.
Published: 1:12PM GMT 02 Dec 2009
Jemima Phillips Photo: PA
Jemima Phillips, who played at Charles's wedding to the Duchess of Cornwall, allegedly stole a horde of cash and electrical goods from houses across Coleford, Gloucestershire, in May.
Giving evidence at Gloucester Crown Court today, the 28-year-old, dressed in a black and white checked coat, told the jury her younger brother died at an early age, she was bullied at school and has been in a series of abusive relationships.
Phillips, a former semi-finalist in the BBC's Young Musician Of The Year, and her ex-boyfriend, William Davies, 41, both deny four counts of burglary. Phillips also denies one count of handling stolen goods.
She told the jury her handicapped brother, Jerome - who suffered violent seizures from birth - died at the age of 13, when she was just 14 years old.
Answering questions from her counsel, Paul Grumbar, she said her sister, Genevieve, also had difficulties, suffering from autism throughout her life and in recent years becoming quite violent.
Phillips said her family life was "dysfunctional" and her mother and father had "not shared a bed for a long time", although all still lived together at the family home in St Briavels, Gloucestershire.
The Royal College of Music graduate told the jury she was "bullied very badly" at school, which stopped the day her brother died.
Phillips told the court she started playing the harp at the age of eight, and progressed quickly through the grades, playing concerts and weddings at the age of 14.
In 2004, Phillips said she was "fortunate" to be asked to play for Charles and was appointed royal harpist in July that year.
She said: "I took over as royal harpist. Even then my drug problem had started.
"Sometimes I would just play background music at private functions, when I would be sat a few feet away from the Prince. Sometimes it would be concerts."
Phillips held the post until 2007, and in that time played at numerous royal venues and occasions, including the wedding of the Queen's grandson Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly.
Phillips told the jury she continues to play harp today, at concerts, recitals and as a teacher at local schools, earning up to £2,750 a month.
Weeping throughout her evidence, Phillips told the court she had a series of "disastrous" relationships, her last being with co-defendant Davies, who is from Cheltenham.
[accessed 2.12.09]
- Which psychological perspective best describes why Jemima started using heroin?
- Give your reasons why you chose this perspective.