A reality TV star from Wiltshire will remain in custody for another month after he admitted a string of offences.

Big Brother alum Marco Pierre White Jr was due to be sentenced for 17 offences on Thursday (July 21), but the case was delayed by the ongoing barristers’ strike.

White’s barrister is on strike this week, the court was told, and the case was delayed.

In all the son of the Michelin-star chef of the same name had previously pleaded guilty to 17 offences, including possession of a knife, possession of heroin, a racially aggravated public order offence and 14 counts of shoplifting.

Wiltshire Times: Marco Pierre White Jr outside Swindon Magistrates' Court on a previous occasion. Photo: SWNS.Marco Pierre White Jr outside Swindon Magistrates' Court on a previous occasion. Photo: SWNS.

The offences, which date between January 14, 2021 and April 12, 2022, all occurred in the Bath and Corsham area.

Appearing at Bristol Crown Court, for the short hearing, White, wearing a blue sweatshirt and flanked by one dock officer, was told that the case would be delayed.

“[Barristers] are seeking better rates of pay and being led by the Criminal Bar Association (CBA),” Recorder Richard Tutt told the 27-year-old.

“Your barrister has written to me saying she is participating in that action and with regret is not attending court today.”

Recorder Tutt, reading part of the letter from White’s barrister, said: “It is deeply unfortunate that the Criminal Bar has been driven to the point we have now reached, but I hope you will understand that advocates such as myself take action to secure the investment that is essential to our profession and the criminal justice system as a whole.”

“I have no power to compel your barrister’s attendance in court,” the recorder continued.

“We could proceed to sentence today or the sentencing hearing could be put off to a date where your barrister could attend.”

Recorder Tutt adjourned the case to August 22, adding: “I understand that the last few months have been an interesting experience for you and I’ve read how you’ve reflected on your position.”

White, of his father’s Rudloe Arms Hotel near Corsham, was remanded in custody pending the sentencing.

He appeared on Big Brother in 2016, and was the first to be eliminated.

Barristers across the country are currently engaged in ‘days of action’, to campaign for better pay and working conditions.

Many junior barristers earn below the minimum wage when preparation time is taken into account.

They are set to strike every other week through August, limiting the amount of cases that can be heard.