A former Conservative MP has pleaded guilty to harassing her ex-wife. Jamie Wallis, who is now known as Katie Wallis and uses female pronouns, represented Bridgend from 2019 to 2024. At an earlier hearing, the 41-year-old from Butetown in Cardiff had denied harassing Rebecca Wallis, now known as Rebecca Lovell, between 14 February and 21 March. Wallis was due to stand trial on Tuesday but changed her plea and admitted harassment by making unwanted phone calls, sending unwanted messages and a voice note. District Judge Rhys Williams told the defendant that sentencing will take place on 14 July. Wallis, who is the first MP to openly begin the process of gender transitioning, told the court: "Legally I am known as Jamie, but I prefer to be known as Katie." The court previously heard the defendant and alleged victim were in a relationship for more than 15 years and separated in 2020, with their divorce finalised in 2024. Narita Bahra KC, defending, said her client has taken "the very pragmatic view" to plead guilty after hearing the effect the case had had on Rebecca Lovell. Ms Bahra added that further psychiatrist assessment would be needed along with a pre-sentence report to examine what effect Wallis' gender transition had during the period of offending. She said it was important to know "what was happening in Dr Wallis' life and mind" at that time.
Former Tory MP admits harassing ex-wife
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"Former Conservative MP Katie Wallis pleads guilty to harassment of ex-wife"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Katie Wallis, a former Conservative Member of Parliament, has pleaded guilty to harassing her ex-wife, Rebecca Lovell. The incident involved unwanted communications, including phone calls, messages, and a voice note, which occurred between February 14 and March 21. Initially denying the charges, Wallis changed her plea just before her scheduled trial. District Judge Rhys Williams has set the sentencing date for July 14. Wallis, who represented Bridgend from 2019 until 2024, is notable for being the first MP to publicly begin gender transition, indicating her preference for the name Katie over her legal name, Jamie. The court heard that Wallis and Lovell had been in a relationship for over 15 years before their separation in 2020, with their divorce finalized in 2024.
The defense counsel, Narita Bahra KC, stated that Wallis made a pragmatic decision to plead guilty after understanding the emotional impact on Lovell. Additionally, Bahra emphasized the importance of conducting a psychiatric assessment and a pre-sentence report to understand the influence of Wallis's gender transition on her behavior during the time of the offenses. This case highlights the complexities surrounding personal relationships and mental health, especially in the context of significant life changes such as gender transition. The court proceedings reflect not only the legal implications of harassment but also the personal struggles that accompany such transitions, raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals in similar situations.
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