Meghan's father faces being sent to jail after 'cutting off' ankle bracelet

Thomas Markle faces being sent to jail after he cut off the ankle bracelet monitoring his movements under house arrest, a prosecutor has said.

The First Assistant US Attorney in the Central District of California Bill Essayli says Markle - the father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex - "cut the bracelet" off at 1.45am on Tuesday (6.45am UK Time).

The prosecutors office said it would be asking the court to revoke his release and remand him in custody, pending his trial over child abuse image charges.

Mr Essayli said: "Release conditions are court orders, not suggestions. We are asking the court to revoke his release and detain him pending trial, and we will continue to prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law."

Sky News understands there is a court hearing due to take place on Tueday in the US where the matter will be discussed.

The Duchess of Sussex's father appeared in court last Friday after being arrested and charged with allegedly possessing child sexual abuse images.

The 82-year-old was pictured in handcuffs in a wheelchair as FBI agents escorted him from a retirement home.

He appeared at a short court hearing in Tampa, Florida, and was charged with one count of "possession of child pornography".

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