Man denies former councillor's murder

A man has denied murdering a former councillor but admitted fraud relating to bank cards that belonged to his alleged victim.

Sakander Hussain, 25, pleaded not guilty to murdering Wallis Webb during a video-link appearance at Birmingham Crown Court.

It is alleged the defendant, who is being held at HMP Hewell, Worcestershire, killed the 65-year-old some time between 30 January and 6 February.

Mr Webb was found dead on 6 February at a property on Baldmoor Lake Road in Birmingham's Erdington area.

It is understood he served historically as a councillor within Birmingham. The modern City Council has been contacted for confirmation.

Mr Hussain, of Ingleton Road, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to a separate fraud charge spanning the same dates.

The charge relates to the use of a bank card and a credit card at a takeaway and two supermarkets.

The defendant was remanded in custody by Judge Simon Drew KC until a two-week trial expected to start at the same court on 12 August.

Follow BBC Birmingham on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [email protected]