Judge dethrones the 'King of Everland'

Friday 20 November 2020

The self-proclaimed 'King of Everland' is facing criminal prosecution after his complaint of judicial bias against the Court and his claim of independence from the States of Guernsey were dismissed.

The long and complex story of Everland has evolved over the past two and half years, initially starting with a request for planning permission on Steve Ogier’s land that was denied. He then claimed independence as a micro-nation, claiming sovereignty from Guernsey.

He has undertaken ground levelling and building works without planning permission and has been in and out of the Guernsey's courtrooms 16 times since, culminating in an indictment of five counts of ignoring compliance orders.

His argument has always been that he does not require planning permission and does not accept any compliance notices because the States of Guernsey does not have jurisdiction over his land.

Pictured: Mr Ogier says he has been billed thousands of pounds in court fees.

The Ordinary Court hearing yesterday was presided over by the Deputy Bailiff Jessica Roland, who had to pass judgment on whether there was a jurisdictional argument strong enough to stop this being a Criminal Court matter.

Mr Ogier was meant to have supplied an argument for his defence prior to today’s hearing but failed to do so - although it did appear on his Facebook page. 

“Everland’s lack of formal recognition is not proof it is not a state and does not give Guernsey the right of jurisdiction over it," he told the Court. 

He has argued that the States of Guernsey needs to prove jurisdiction over his land before any compliance orders can be valid and that previous hearings presided over by the Bailiff, Richard McMahon, were biased.

Mr Ogier has also demanded a quarter of a million pounds in compensation for his time and the impact on his life and mental health. He has sought help from the Ministry of Justice in the UK but has been told that he will not receive any.

Pictured: Mr Ogier appeared in the Royal Court to argue his case that Guernsey's Bailiff had shown bias against him.

The reasons for dismissing his micro nation were explained in a previous sitting in February 2019. For a new nation to be official it has to be recognised by another nation and would need a permanent population - Everland does not fulfill either criteria.

The Prosecutor made reference to the case of ‘Burton v Law Officers of the Crown’ in 2005, when dismissing Mr Ogier’s claim of bias. Due to the professional training of all court officials and the judicial oath, it was argued there was no bias in this case.

In her judgment Judge Roland agreed with this, saying there is "no evidence of bias" taking place. 

Mr Ogier has been bailed until the 20 January for his pleas and directions hearing.