Lawyer Denies Thumping German Fashion Designer At Royal Opera House Wagner Performance

Court Date: Feargrieve

A corporate lawyer repeatedly punched a leading fashion designer he accused of insulting his wife during a seat row at the Royal Opera House, a court heard yesterday. 

Barrister Matthew Feargrieve, 43, is accused of thumping couturier Ulrich Engler, 56, who tried to climb into the better seat where his wife had left her coat.

They were at the landmark Covent Garden venue to enjoy the six-hour performance of Richard Wagner’s ‘Siegfried’ - the third of four operas in the composer’s ‘Ring’ cycle.

University of Oxford law graduate Feargrieve, of Lonsdale Road, Barnes pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates Court of assaulting Mr. Engler on October 7, last year.  

The independent legal expert, who advises asset managers, plus corporate and private clients on investments and wealth planning was bailed to attend City of London Magistrates Court for a two-day trial starting on May 9. 

Prosecutor Victoria Murphy told the court it is customary for audience members to return to the same seats they occupied throughout the performance.

However, trouble began when German-born Mr. Engler, who owns a boutique in Moreton Street, Pimlico climbed into an unoccupied seat next to Feargrieve’s wife.

“The seat next to her was empty and she placed her coat on the seat. Mr. Engler was sitting directly behind the empty seat and as the lights went down and the performance started Mr. Engler climbed over onto the empty seat to get a better view.

“Then the accounts begin to differ, with the account of Mr. Engler who says he asked if it was okay to sit there as it had not been an issue at a previous show,” explained the prosecutor.

Couturier: Ulrich Engler

The designer asked Feargrieve’s wife: “Have you paid for this seat?” and she replied: “No, I have not.”

“He picked up the coat and put it in her lap and a short time later she said: ‘My coat is on the floor.’

“Mr. Engler did not look at her and Mr. Feargrieve punched him several times saying: ‘How dare you talk to my wife like that.’

“There was bruising, a possible fractured rib, a visit to an osteopath and the x-ray showed there was no fracture.”

In her account to police Feargrieve’s wife says: “He threw the jacket onto the floor.”

Ms. Murphy added: “She says Mr. Engler placed his hand on her arm and pushed her backwards, hard into Mr. Feargrieve.

“The defendant’s account is that he does not agree with what has been said by the other witness and gives his version of events that he was pushed.

“He says Mr. Engler was being physical with his wife.” 

Law Society member Feargrieve is originally from Stockport, Cheshire, where he attended The Kingsway Comprehensive School.