Ex-councillor denies sending illegal messages

Shaz Saleem pleaded not guilty to the charges when he appeared in court

A former councillor and parliamentary candidate has denied sending illegal messages.

Shaz Saleem, formerly of Dudley Council, appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court on Friday and pleaded not guilty to two counts of using a public communication network to send a voicemail message that was offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing.

The ex-Conservative member was told he would face a trial at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on 6 March.

Mr Saleem, 38, of Ploverdale Crescent, Kingswinford, was given unconditional bail and will next appear for a preliminary hearing on 11 November.

Mr Saleem, who stood in the general election as an independent for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire, previously said he was "disappointed" about the proceedings, adding: "But that is life and you have to handle it."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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