'Politicians used these ridiculous charges to sabotage community projects' fumes cleared former Dudley councillor
The former councillor who cleared his name in court after his political career was left in tatters has blasted Dudley politicians for taking advantage of his plight.
Shaz Saleem was a Conservative councillor for Kingswinford and Wall Heath, close to Dudley Council cabinet and tipped to be a future MP when a sexual assault complaint was made in Spring 2023.
The Conservative Party suspended him and Mr Saleem was not chosen to contest his seat in the local elections.
By the time West Midlands Police confirmed he was not being charged it was too late.
The same complainant then reported him to the police after receiving threatening voicemail messages in June 2023. He was interviewed in January 2024 and pleaded not guilty in June 2024 by which time he was standing as an independent in the General Election.
His trial was held yesterday at Walsall Magistrates Court. After a two hour hearing District Judge Michael Wheeler ruled Mr Saleem was not guilty.
The voicemails were played to court and the woman who received the threatening messages gave evidence during which she told the court "she knew" Mr Saleem left them.
However, as West Midlands Police did not enlist a voice recognition expert to compare the voice on the message which said "tick tock b**** times up" and the defendant.
Leaving court Mr Saleem told the Express & Star his "nightmare was over" but felt let down by the slow turning wheels of justice.
He said: "The unfairness and the sheer time it has taken for the truth to come out has really effected my mental health.
"It is meant to he innocent until proven guilty but now, especially with social media, everyone is treats you as if you are guilty immediately.
"I lost my council seat and was dropped immediately by the Conservative Party."
Asked whether his proven innocence would pave the way for a return to the Conservatives, he said: "No chance. My success was seen as a threat to too many people and this gave a lot of people, in all parties, the chance to ruin my career."
"One of the biggest diseases in our lifetime is jealousy, and it’s sad when people behave in such a disparaging manner where they will do anything to tarnish another.
"What’s worst, is the fact that our local politicians used these unfortunate events as way to try and sabotage community focused projects."
Mr Saleem claimed his legal fight meant his community work suffered due to not wanting third parties to get guilt by association.
He said: "To protect those groups that I value so dearly, I had to step away so that they would not be affected by any negative energy directed at me.
"I am disillusioned with politics but not with community work which I will continue in whatever way I can."
Despite being cleared in a court of law Mr Saleem believes he might still be the target of attacks by rivals.
He said: "Do I think this is all over? Nope, I expect these attacks to continue, but my soul will not be crushed. I have never been one to shy away from challenges, and as long as my work benefits others, I will continue with the passion and honesty I have shown thus far."
Mr Saleem revealed his legal woes has made him realise who his friends are.
He said: "I would like to say a special thank you to the following who have been unfaltering in never letting me give up Saleem Foundation Chairman Steve Waltho MBE, One Community members Brian Bassingthwaite, Adam Waldron, Simon Spencer, my solicitor Anthony Schiller, TSF Youth Club lead Cassie Gray, TSF Kuppa Club lead Michelle Stokes, The Wall Heath Tavern, Kingswinford and Wall Heath Litter Pick lead Gail Bradley, Kerry from Forever Home, Kingswinford, John from Kingswinford Royal British Legion, #KNWHAwardForHeroes winners Helen Nicholls and Maya Garbett from Kingswinford Foodbank, Jo Fletcher from Kingswinford in Bloom, and Tough Enough To Care."
He added: "Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my parents, my wife, friends who stood by me, and all my family; they faced each day with me and every time I saw my children, I knew I had to fight, to keep strong and to set a positive example for them.
"I will dutifully continue to work in the community that I love and I’m proud to serve; as always, feel free to contact me on askshaz@hotmail.co.uk.
"Remember, never give up and for me it will always be community over politics!"
