Jody Bunting, who rose to fame on Big Breakfast, was arrested in 2023 on suspicion of attempting to murder a colleague with severe cocoa allergies – and more than a year later has been cleared of wrongdoing
Former TV star Jody Bunting has been cleared of charges after being arrested in 2023. The former Big Breakfast host was previously arrested for attempted murder and wounding with intent after a colleague suffered an allergic reaction to chocolate.
Channel 4 health guru Jody, 47, was met by police at Luton Airport moments after touching down from a holiday in Morocco on November 2, following an incident at Mickleover Court Hotel Leisure Club, Derby, on October 29, 2023.
His arrest came after allegations that he attempted to murder Kimberley Hoskins with a piece of chocolate, having been accused of planting the chocolate on purpose while being aware of her severe allergies.
Bunting strongly denied the allegations, clarifying that he had taken the chocolate in while Hoskins had been signed off work. In the incident, Bunting had left a half-eaten bar of Cadbury Dairy Milk Fruit and Nut in a staff room at the health retreat.
Hoskins, who has a life-threatening allergy to cocoa, was administered an EpiPen shot to relieve her symptoms, before being rushed to intensive care where she remained for five days.
Now, DerbyshireLive reports that on March 12, Bunting’s mother finally received confirmation that the investigation into her son was over – well over a year since it began.
“We write to simply confirm that we now have been informed by the police that they are taking no further action against you,” a solicitor wrote to her son.
Bunting has addressed the news, which was relayed to him by his mum on the phone. The One Show alum was released on bail after his arrest and allowed to keep his passport, and now lives in Morocco.
He shared: “This has been going on for so long and we always get letters from the solicitor, so I think when my mum saw it come through the door, we weren’t really expecting good or bad news.
“But she was just so relieved, she was relieved more than me. The whole thing has just been he said/she said and it has been so hard on her to understand what was going on.
Bunting added: “For me, my professional career had been put on hold. I felt I had to get away from Derby because people would always ask me about the case and I found it really hard to be unable to return to the hotel where I worked, where I also had lots of friends and a job. The whole thing turned my life upside-down and I have finally been given the justice I deserve.”
The father of one has remained in the fitness world via online coaching, and has built a new life far away from his native Staffordshire.
“I have also met a guy in the last year. We have been living together in Morocco and we recently got engaged as well. The thought of marrying the love of my life is what keeps me going after what has been a year of hell,” he admitted.
Derbyshire Police provided a statement to the outlet, explaining that the Crown Prosecution Service reviewed the evidence and decided to take no further action against Bunting.
A spokesperson shared: “We understand the impact that a long-running investigation can have on those involved, however, it is the duty of the force to thoroughly and proportionately investigate reports made to us.
“The offence that was reported to the force was serious, and the public would rightly expect officers to make all relevant enquiries and gather evidence. On this occasion it was found there was insufficient evidence for a prosecution to be brought.” The Mirror has contacted Derbyshire Police for further comment.
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