Former Councillor to Stand Trial for Message Allegations

A 38-year-old former Dudley councillor from Kingswinford, Shaz Saleem, is scheduled to undergo a trial on charges of transmitting threatening messages via an electronic device. He had previously entered a plea of not guilty to two charges related to leaving voicemail messages deemed offensive, indecent, menacing, or obscene. During proceedings held at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, District Judge Michael Wheeler dismissed the argument that the case had exceeded its time limit and subsequently scheduled the trial for 6 March 2025. Mr Saleem received unconditional bail. Previously, Mr Saleem held a position within the Conservative cabinet of Dudley Council before subsequently running in local elections as an independent candidate. An earlier hearing had seen questions raised concerning the case’s jurisdiction and applicable time limits. However, Mr Wheeler informed the court, stating: “I set up this hearing in case it was necessary but now evidence has been served.“There is no argument that the case was out of time, the only matter is the question of the trial.” The district judge further indicated that Walsall Magistrates’ Court would be the venue for the trial. This report was compiled by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organizations.