Ingham in court

SIR BERNARD INGHAM, Margaret Thatcher's former press secretary, appeared in court yesterday charged with criminal damage.

He is accused of causing pounds 2,000 of damage to a Mercedes car belonging to his neighbours in Purley, south London, last December.

Sir Bernard, 66, spoke only to confirm his details at Croydon magistrates' court in south London. The case was adjourned until 8 March and Sir Bernard was granted unconditional bail. As he left the court he said: "I have nothing to say. You have heard what was said in court. That is all I will be saying at the moment."