Transgender ex-MP ‘harassed wife after divorce'
A transgender former Conservative MP is accused of harassing his ex-wife after they divorced, a court has heard.
Katie Wallis, 40, of Butetown, Cardiff, who was previously known as Jamie, appeared before Cardiff Magistrates' Court charged with the 'harassment without violence' of Rebecca Wallis between February and March 2025.
The former MP, who served Bridgend in South Wales between 2019 and 2024, is alleged to have driven by her home, sent unwanted messages, made phone calls and left voice notes, after Ms Wallis began a new relationship.
Mr Wallis, who was referred to as 'he' by the defence lawyer, spoke only to enter a not guilty plea and confirm his name, age and address.
He said: 'My legal name is Jamie Wallis, but my preferred name is Katie Wallis.'
Hearing adjourned
Monday's hearing had been listed as a trial, but the defence had failed to provide the prosecution with documents in an appropriate timeframe, which forced the judge to adjourn the case. The case will now go to trial on June 17.
Before the hearing was adjourned, Mr Wallis appeared in the dock wearing a blue cardigan over a white top, with long brown hair and large hooped earrings.
Simone Walsh, prosecuting, gave a brief outline of her case. She said: 'The defendant and victim were in a relationship for over 15 years or so. They separated in 2020 and divorce was finalised in 2024.
'Following the victim informing the defendant of a new relationship the defendant's behaviour became harassing in nature.'
Hid from reporters
Narita Bahra KC, representing the defendant, said there was 'no malice on his part' in the messages and that Mr Wallis had been going through a 'very important stage in his gender transition process'.
While in the dock, Mr Wallis appeared to stumble, and Ms Bahra said the former MP was claustrophobic.
She said there had been concerns about Mr Wallis's fitness, that there were 'significant mental health issues' and that her client was likely to need breaks throughout the trial.
Before proceedings started, Ms Bahra said Mr Wallis had sought refuge from reporters in a nearby Tesco store.
A charge of 'stalking without fear, alarm, distress' was dismissed after the prosecution said it would be submitting no evidence.
The hearing was adjourned.
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