Council group leader denies harassment charge
BBCThe leader of a council group is set to face trial after denying he harassed a nightclub owner and former councillor.
Alastair Chambers, the leader of the Community Independent Group at Gloucester City Council, appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court earlier charged with using threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Chambers is alleged to have used homophobic slurs against Justin Hudson, the owner of Butler's Bar in Gloucester and a former cabinet member for the Conservatives, during an incident outside of the bar on 5 October 2025.
The 45-year-old, of Quedgeley, is due to go on trial at the same court on 9 November.
Chambers, who represents the Matson and Robinswood area of Gloucester, was granted bail on the condition he makes no contact with prosecution witnesses.
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