Daniel Wilson was handed a restraining order in 2017 but then allegedly contacted former 007 producer Barbara Broccoli 11 times from April 2022 to April last year
A man has denied breaching a restraining order by contacting former James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli.
Daniel Wilson, 36, was handed a restraining order in 2017 but then allegedly contacted her 11 times from April 2022 to April last year. Wilson, of Brixton, South London, appeared via video link on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to 11 charges at Southwark Crown Court.
Broccoli, 64, and Michael G Wilson, 83, produced the Bond franchise after the death of Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, aged 87, in 1997. It was bought out by Amazon MGM Studios – owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, who obtained the franchise rights for £770million.
It is alleged that Wilson acted in breach of the restraining order by attempting to contact Broccoli “without reasonable excuse” on 11 dates between April 2022 and April last year.
The court heard Wilson, who wore glasses and a patterned jacket during the hearing, is currently staying in hospital. Bail conditions had been put in place at an earlier hearing and Judge Sally-Ann Hales KC ordered that they will continue.
She told Wilson he cannot “be in possession of any device that can access the internet” or contact Broccoli directly or indirectly. He must also live and sleep each night in a location directed by the NHS, she said.
His trial was set for July 19 2027 and Judge Hales added: “I’m afraid that is the earliest date that the court can accommodate.” She granted that Broccoli can give evidence behind screens “given the nature of the allegations”.
Wilson is charged with acting in breach of the restraining order on April 1, April 19, May 19, May 25, June 30 and July 6 2022. He is also accused of doing so on March 10, April 12, April 17, April 20 and April 22 2024.
The 007 franchise had been controlled by members of the Broccoli family, either single-handedly or in partnership with others, since the first 007 movie Dr No in 1962.
Broccoli and her half-brother Wilson produced the last nine Bond films, including Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, Spectre and No Time To Die. They have been honoured with CBEs, and won the outstanding British film Bafta for 2012’s Skyfall along with director Sir Sam Mendes.
Amazon gained creative control of the British spy franchise following a deal which saw Eon Productions, run by Wilson and Broccoli, become co-owners with Amazon MGM Studios.
Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli bought the rights to Ian Fleming’s novels featuring the British MI6 agent in 1961. The following year he produced Dr No starring Sean Connery as 007. The most recent Bond film – No Time To Die which starred Daniel Craig – was released in 2021 and ended with the spy being killed in a missile strike.