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MP Claudia Webbe to Appeal Guilty Harassment Charges

Claudia Webbe, Independent MP for Leicester East, was found guilty of harassment charges this afternoon at Westminster Magistrates Court.

Commenting on the verdict, her lawyer, Raj Chada, Head of Criminal Defence at social justice law firm Hodge Jones & Allen said: “We will be appealing this unjust verdict. The recording of the call Ms Webbe made has been taken out of context. We are sure that Ms Webbe will be vindicated at an appeal.”

In a statement, Claudia Webbe said: “I am deeply shocked by today’s verdict. I am innocent and will appeal this verdict.

“As I said in court and repeat now, I have never threatened violence nor have I ever harassed anyone.

“The details of the events of the 25th of April that have emerged today are deeply personal. As the court heard, I was facing a domestic incident at the time of the call. I was deeply frustrated that my partner and my accuser had been socialising in the middle of the covid pandemic, contrary to the rules and all health advice. I was frightened and frustrated by his behaviour. But that fear and frustration could not and should not have been interpreted as harassment. The recording of the call has been taken out of context.

“I would like to thank all those who have supported me through this ordeal and continue to do so. These are the people who know me; my character, my values and my behaviour – they know I could not be guilty of this crime and I intend proving them right.

“While I’m preparing for the appeal I want to assure the people of Leicester East that I will continue to stand up for them in Parliament, fighting on their behalf.”

Ms Webbe will be sentenced at a later date.

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