Neil Wilby Media

A council leader’s Special Political Adviser (SPAD) is facing a criminal trial after his arrest shortly after last year’s local elections.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Magistrates’ Courts has confirmed the following to Neil Wilby Media:

“The case of Mohammed Imran Ali, aged 43, charged with offences of Criminal Damage and Possession of an Offensive Weapon on or about 7th May, 2023 in Oldham, is next listed for a trial hearing at Wigan Magistrates Court on 20 August 2024 at 10.00am.”

Mr Ali, widely known as ‘Irish Imy’ (or ‘Immy’) denies the charges.

A childhood friend and close associate of the Leader of Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, Cllr Arooj Shah, he is a reformed criminal well known these days for philanthropy, charity and overseas aid work. His oft-repeated mantra on social media is #FuckTheTories.

Cllr Shah has asserted publicly in Oldham’s civic chamber, and privately many times, that she will not abandon her friend in times of need. 

These are live criminal proceedings, the presumption of innocence applies and the defendant, as with any other, is entitled to a fair trial. As such comments on this article are closed.

The picture beneath the headline shows Cllr Shah in the centre, Imy on her left and, further left, Labour Cllrs Aftab Hussain (wearing sunglasses) and Shaid Mushtaq (standing), one of the Council’s two Deputy Leaders.

Page last updated: Monday 11th March, 2024 at 1825 hours

Thank you for reading and a polite request: If you feel this article is of value and in the public interest, and wish to make a contribution to the running costs of this website, it would be very much appreciated. Donations can made securely (and anonymously if required), via Buy Me A Coffee at this link or via PayPal at this link.

Corrections: Please let me know if there is a mistake in this article. I will endeavour to correct it as soon as possible.

Picture credit: Facebook

Right of reply: If you are mentioned in this article and disagree with it, please let me have your comments. Provided your response is not defamatory it will be added to the article.

© Neil Wilby 2015-2024. Unauthorised use, or reproduction, of the material contained in this article, without permission from the author, is strictly prohibited. Extracts from, and links to, the article (or blog) may be used, provided that credit is given to Neil Wilby Media, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.