An “irate” Labour peer stormed out of court to meet the governor of the Bank of England after being made to wait for almost two hours to give evidence.

Lord Glasman was due to testify against a 14-year-old Islington boy accused of trying to steal his briefcase in Stoke Newington last month – but after he left the trial had to be adjourned.

The court heard how on his arrival at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court the political theory lecturer explained he would need to leave for the “important” meeting with Mark Carney at 11.30am.

But as the time approached he was still sat in the witness room, and on his way out he had some strong words for prosecutor Sena Frimpong.

Mr Frimpong told magistrates: “He was irate and talking to me rather bluntly. He said we had kept him here for an hour and a half.

“He’s got a very important meeting. I did try and explain but he was having none of it and walked out.”

Lord Glasman had just got off the 149 bus in Church Street at 11.10pm on June 15 when two boys on bikes attempted to steal his briefcase, the court heard.

A short struggle took place and the peer was able to wrestle his case back, while the youths were later arrested after being chased by members of the Jewish neighbourhood watch group Shomrim.

The 14-year-old, who has pleaded guilty to breaching five court orders and admits being there that night, was placed under curfew to return on August 9 for his attempted robbery trial.

The other boy pleaded guilty to attempted robbery at a separate hearing.

Maurice Glasman, of Stoke Newington, was made a Labour peer in 2010 and is best known for founding Blue Labour in 2009. He was made Baron Glasman of Stoke Newington and Stamford Hill in 2011.