Bernie’s Son-in-law May end up in jail

If Rutland goes to jail poor guy will be missing this at nights – Tamara Ecclestone

The husband of Formula One heiress Tamara Ecclestone has been charged with assisting an international drugs baron to avoid justice.

Jay Rutland, a former City trader who is son-in-law to F1 tycoon Bernie Ecclestone, is accused of helping James Tarrant to evade capture when he was one of Britain's most-wanted men.

The 34-year-old, of Kensington, west London, was arrested and charged with assisting an offender – an alleged offense that dates back to 2010. A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said he was bailed to appear at Thames Magistrates' Court on March 16.

Rutland, a businessman, is accused of helping 66-year-old Tarrant to avoid capture while awaiting trial for drugs and gun charges.

He reportedly attended a London police station with his lawyer and was formally arrested and then charged with assisting an offender, knowing they faced prosecution.

A spokesman said he strenuously denies the allegation. He may face up to seven years in prison, if convicted.

His wife, whom he married in 2013 and has a 23-month-old daughter with, is said to be "sick with worry" at the prospect of him facing jail.

A source told The Sun: "The accusations are very serious and Jay knows that if he is convicted he could end going to jail. Tamara is sick with worry about him being banged up, but is putting up a brave face. She is understandably very concerned about Jay and what could happen.

"It has come as a bolt from the blue and is potentially very bad news, especially given that they have a young daughter. However she is sticking by her man."

In a statement, Rutland's spokesman said: "Mr Rutland voluntarily attended a police station and assisted the police with their inquiries. He was later charged. He denies the charge and will defend it vigorously."

Tarrant was arrested after police found cannabis, cocaine, a handgun, ammunition, body armor and around £5,000 at a house in Waltham Abbey, Essex.

However, he later fled the country in 2010, before his trial and was convicted in his absence and jailed for 14 years. He was on the run for five years before handing himself over to the police in Holland in September and was returned to Britain to serve his sentence.

Rutland previously worked in the financial sector in the City of London, but in 2012 was banned from trading over "market abuse".

In its ruling, what was then the Financial Services Authority said Rutland was not a "fit and proper person" and his behavior demonstrated a lack of "honesty and integrity". TelegraphIndia.com