Meghan Markle's father returned to federal custody in Florida

Thomas Markle, father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has been returned to federal custody in Florida after reportedly removing his ankle monitor, according to court documents.

He appeared before federal magistrate judge Lindsay S Griffin in Tampa on Tuesday, where bond was denied. Prosecutors allege he took off the monitoring device early that morning.

Griffin ruled that Markle had breached the terms of his pretrial release. Markle had been arrested in Florida the previous week and placed under house detention at an assisted living facility, with a location monitoring device fitted as a condition of his release. He denies possessing child sexual abuse images.

In the order revoking his release, Griffin described Markle's housing arrangements as unsuitable, stating that given the lack of appropriate accommodation, no set of conditions could adequately guarantee the safety of others or the community, nor ensure his future court appearances.

The judge also directed that Markle undergo a medical evaluation and continue receiving any necessary prescribed medication unless a physician advises otherwise.

The BBC said it had contacted representatives for Markle for comment.