The trial of the 'king'

Thursday 21 January 2021

The self-proclaimed King of Everland has gone on trial in Guernsey's Royal Court on five counts of breaking planning laws.

Steve Ogier continues to argue the States of Guernsey has no jurisdiction over his land.

Mr Ogier fell foul of Guernsey’s legal system after developing his land without planning permission and then ignoring compliance orders.

He claimed sovereignty in protest, however Guernsey’s Ordinary Court concluded that Everland is not a recognised state and is therefore governed by Guernsey law. He has now gone on trial in the Royal Court for breaking planning laws.

Pictured: Ogier represented himself in the Royal Court in front of the Deputy Bailiff and nine Jurats.

The Crown Prosecutor, Chris Dunford, called Dave Perrio as a witness during the first day. Mr Perrio was a Planning Enforcement Officer at the time and led the investigation into breaches of planning law. His testimony helped outline a timeline of the events leading up to Mr Ogier being charged.

The first day ended with closing arguments from both Advocate Dunford and Mr Ogier. 

Mr Ogier maintained that he has never broken any laws, that Everland is a sovereign state. He denied that his protest against Guernsey’s legal system and planning laws has gone too far.

Deputy Bailiff Jessica Roland has adjourned the case until today, when she will sum up, after which the Jurats will retire to decide a verdict.

Mr Ogier hasn’t made a plea, maintaining his innocence, as he doesn’t recognise Guernsey’s court system. This has been taken as a not guilty pleas for all charges.