Man Denies Stalking and Harassing Birmingham MP Jess Phillips in Court
A man has pleaded not guilty to stalking and harassing Birmingham MP Jess Phillips in a recent court appearance. Lee Owens, aged 47, is facing trial over allegations of sending threatening and aggressive emails to the Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley.
Court Proceedings and Charges
At Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 21, Owens entered a not guilty plea to a charge of stalking. He had previously denied a separate charge of harassment related to the same case. District Judge Nicholas Wattam presided over the hearing, informing Owens that the case would be transferred to crown court due to the seriousness of the allegations.
Owens, who resides in Matson, Gloucester, is accused of harassing Ms Phillips by sending her 31 emails between January 22 and January 25, 2025. Additionally, he is charged with stalking for allegedly sending an excessive volume of aggressive and threatening emails between July 10 and July 14, 2025, which prosecutors claim caused Ms Phillips serious alarm or distress.
Bail Conditions and Legal Representation
Following the hearing, Owens was granted bail under strict conditions, including a prohibition on attempting to contact Ms Phillips in any way. The legal teams involved saw Anton Doyle representing the prosecution, while Mike Hartnell acted as defense counsel for Owens.
The case is now scheduled to proceed to Gloucester Crown Court, with a case management hearing set for May 19. This step marks the next phase in the judicial process, where further evidence and trial dates will be discussed.
Background on Jess Phillips
Jess Phillips, the MP for Birmingham Yardley, has served as a Labour MP since 2015. She currently holds the position of minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, a role that underscores her commitment to addressing issues of safety and harassment. This case highlights the challenges public figures can face in their duties.
The allegations against Owens involve a pattern of behavior that, if proven, could have significant legal repercussions. Stalking and harassment charges are taken seriously in the UK legal system, often resulting in severe penalties for those convicted.
As the case moves forward, it will be closely watched by both legal observers and the public, given Ms Phillips’ high-profile role and the nature of the accusations. The outcome of the trial could set precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future.
