Is the Gunman Who Tried to Kidnap Princess Anne Really Innocent?

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Exploring the Disturbing Case of Ian Ball: The Attempted Kidnapping of Princess Anne

The story of Ian Ball and his attempted kidnapping of Princess Anne remains one of the most shocking incidents in British royal history. In March 1974, Ian Ball ambushed the Princess Royal in a brazen attempt to abduct her, resulting in chaos and violence. Four men who tried to defend her were shot, and the entire nation was left aghast at the audacity of the act. Fast forward to today, and Ian Ball has emerged from a high-security mental hospital, waging a campaign to clear his name while promoting a self-published book about his life. This article explores the chilling details of the kidnapping attempt, the aftermath, and the implications of Ball's recent actions.

The Attempted Kidnapping

On a seemingly ordinary evening in March 1974, Princess Anne was traveling along The Mall in London when her vehicle was intercepted by Ian Ball, then 26 years old. Ball skidded his car to a halt in front of the royal convoy, brandishing two firearms. His demands were audacious: he wanted the Princess to accompany him, promising freedom in exchange for £2 million. Anne's response was immediate and defiant: “Not bloody likely, and I haven’t got £2 million.” This refusal would set off a violent confrontation.

As Ball attempted to drag the Princess from her car, he fired at her bodyguard, the chauffeur, a police constable, and a journalist who rushed to the scene. The chaos escalated, culminating in a struggle for the Princess between Ball and her husband, Captain Mark Phillips. The situation became critical until former heavyweight boxer Ronnie ‘The Geezer’ Russel intervened, subduing Ball after delivering two decisive punches. It was this intervention that ultimately saved Anne and ended the chaotic ordeal.

Legal Consequences and Sentencing

In May 1974, just two months after the incident, Ian Ball was brought to court where he faced serious charges, including attempted murder and attempted kidnapping. During the proceedings, he admitted to his crimes and was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment. However, his time in prison was not straightforward. Ball was diagnosed with mental health issues and was eventually transferred to high-security psychiatric hospitals, such as Broadmoor and Rampton.

The Aftermath of the Kidnapping Attempt

The fallout from this incident was significant not only for Princess Anne but also for the royal family and public safety measures. Anne later expressed her fury at the way Ball had damaged her favorite blue velvet dress during the struggle. Meanwhile, her bodyguard, Jim Beaton, was awarded the George Cross for his bravery after he was shot three times while protecting the Princess.

Ian Ball's Release and Self-Published Book

Fast forward to 2019, Ian Ball was quietly released from Broadmoor on probation. His release raised eyebrows, particularly given the nature of his crimes. Since then, Ball has been actively promoting a self-published book titled "To Kidnap A Princess." This book ostensibly chronicles his life and the events surrounding the kidnapping attempt, but it also serves as a platform for Ball to profess his innocence.

The book's description paints a dramatic picture, claiming it will evoke a range of emotions from readers and will ultimately leave them in awe of the human spirit. However, Ball's narrative takes a twisted turn as he continues to assert that the kidnapping was a hoax gone wrong, a claim he first made shortly after the incident. He alleges that a policeman friend, whom he referred to as “Frank,” was supposed to have removed the gunpowder from the bullets and substituted another woman for Princess Anne.

A Bizarre Defense

Ball’s defense is nothing short of bizarre. He insists that he was wrongfully jailed by the upper classes, even going so far as to implicate the late Queen as the “ring-leader” of a conspiracy against him. His claims of a hoax, however, lack substantial evidence and have been met with skepticism. Ball argues that to prove his innocence, he must first prove the existence of “Frank,” suggesting that this would validate his narrative of the entire incident being a staged event.

Public Reaction and Ongoing Campaign

Ian Ball's release and subsequent activities have sparked controversy and concern among the public and former law enforcement officials alike. He has been using social media to appeal against his convictions and has even been distributing leaflets in his local west London area, inviting people to meet him. These actions have led to fears about the safety of the public and raised questions about the mental health assessments conducted prior to his release.

Assessing Risk and Public Safety

In the UK, the release of individuals classified as “restricted patients” like Ball is governed by stringent risk assessments. Mental health professionals are tasked with evaluating the level of risk posed to the public. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice noted that if Ball's mental health were to deteriorate, he could be recalled to the hospital. This highlights the delicate balance between rehabilitation and public safety, particularly in high-profile cases like Ball's.

Bravery of Those Involved

The bravery displayed during the kidnapping attempt is worth noting. Jim Beaton, who was shot three times, was recognized for his courage with the George Cross. Ronnie Russell, who intervened and physically subdued Ball during the chaos, was awarded the George Medal by the Queen herself, who expressed her gratitude not just for his bravery but also for the safety of her daughter. These acts of valor stand in stark contrast to the chilling intentions of Ian Ball.

The Impact on the Royal Family

The attempted kidnapping had far-reaching implications for the royal family. Post-incident, security measures around the royals were significantly tightened. The incident served as a wake-up call, highlighting vulnerabilities that had previously been overlooked. Princess Anne, a member of the royal family known for her resilience, continued her public engagements but with a heightened awareness of security risks.

Conclusion: A Disturbing Legacy

Ian Ball's case serves as a disturbing reminder of the lengths to which individuals may go to achieve notoriety, as well as the complex interplay of mental health, public safety, and criminal justice. The fact that he is now attempting to clear his name while profiting from the very act that shocked a nation raises ethical questions about accountability and the nature of justice. As he continues to promote his narrative, one wonders what impact this might have on public perception and the legacy of this chilling event.

FAQs

Who is Ian Ball and what did he do?

Ian Ball attempted to kidnap Princess Anne in 1974, shooting four men in the process. He was later convicted of attempted murder and attempted kidnapping.

What happened after Ian Ball's release?

After being released on probation in 2019, Ball began promoting a self-published book in which he claims his innocence and presents a bizarre narrative about the kidnapping attempt being a hoax.

What were the consequences of the kidnapping attempt?

The incident led to increased security measures for the royal family and recognition of the bravery displayed by individuals who intervened during the attack, including awards for Jim Beaton and Ronnie Russell.

As we reflect on the audacity of Ian Ball's actions and his subsequent claims, it raises important questions about how society deals with mental illness and criminal behavior. Can individuals truly be rehabilitated after such violent acts, or does the past continue to haunt them? #IanBall #PrincessAnne #RoyalSecurity

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