Man denies stalking Birmingham MP Jess Phillips in alleged email campaign
Accused allegedly sent dozens of “threatening and aggressive” emails over several days, court hears
Last updated 16 hours ago
A man has denied stalking Home Office minister and Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips.
Lee Owens, 47, is due to stand trial over allegations he sent a series of threatening and aggressive emails to the MP.
At Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court, Owens pleaded not guilty to stalking, having previously denied a separate harassment charge.
He is alleged to have sent 31 emails to Ms Phillips between January 22 and January 25 2025.
He is also accused of sending a further volume of aggressive and threatening emails in July 2025, which prosecutors say caused serious alarm or distress and amounted to stalking.
Owens, of Matson in Gloucester, was granted bail on condition he does not contact Ms Phillips.
District Judge Nicholas Wattam sent the case to crown court, telling Owens: “There are two criminal charges and you’ve told me that you’re not guilty.”
Owens is due to appear at Gloucester Crown Court on May 19 for a case management hearing.