A former Dudley councillor turned community campaigner has been cleared by a court of allegations of sending threatening messages.

Shaz Saleem, who stood as a ward councillor in Kingswinford and Wall Heath, was accused of two counts of leaving voicemail messages that were of an offensive, indecent, menacing or obscene character. 

However this morning the charges were dismissed by magistrates in Walsall after a two-year battle.

Mr Saleem said: “I’m pleased to announce that after two years of challenges, today the court has dismissed the ridiculous allegations made against me.

“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.

“I expect these attacks to continue, but my soul will not be crushed”.