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A man accused of verbally abusing a council leader in Greater Manchester has pleaded not guilty after appearing in court.

Stewart Melling, 47, of Evening Street in Failsworth , has been charged with the public order offence against Oldham 's council leader.

He is accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress to Coun Arooj Shah during an incident which is alleged to have taken place in Oldham on February 7 of this year.

Appearing at Tameside Magistrates Court today (November 13), Mr Melling entered a not guilty plea. A trial is now scheduled for 2027.

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Coun Shah, who attended court for the hearing, first took over as

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