West Midlands city councillor raped woman while serving in public office

A former city councillor raped a woman while serving as an elected representative.

The conviction of Shawaz Ditta has prompted shock from political leaders and questions over how he was selected as a candidate.

Ditta, of Bath Road, Worcester, was jailed for nine years at Worcester Crown Court this week for rape and two assaults involving weapons.

The 31-year-old was elected to Worcester City Council in May 2022 as a Conservative councillor under the name Shafaz Ditta. In August 2022 he assaulted a woman then in November of that year he raped a woman.

During his time as a councillor, Ditta was reprimanded for making inappropriate remarks to someone in Worcester city centre.

He was also criticised for his attendance record, missing 22 meetings out of 50 during his two years on the council.

Council leader Lynn Denham said: “A number of us were surprised that he was elected as a Worcester city councillor.

“People who knew him from before didn’t think he’d be an ideal candidate or was likely to be a good representative of Worcester city residents.

“I feel desperately sorry for the victim and what Shafaz put her through, the court proceedings and everything since.

“I hope she’s doing OK and is getting the support she needs.

“This does raise questions about the Conservative Party, their vetting of candidates and choosing people who are not fit for public office.”

Alan Amos, leader of Reform UK in Worcestershire, said he was shocked Ditta’s crimes had come “within months of being elected and while on the council”.

“His barrister used his public duties as a defence – what public duties?” said Councillor Amos.

“I never supported Shafaz Ditta for the council.”

Marc Bayliss, chairman of Worcestershire Conservative Party and deputy police crime commissioner, said: “These offences are heinous and absolutely unacceptable.

“My thoughts are with the victim and I’m delighted that justice has been done.”

Mr Bayliss, who was leader of Worcester City Council when Ditta became a councillor, said: “It comes as a massive shock.”

He said he didn’t work closely with Ditta, adding: “When he was a candidate there was no evidence of this sort of behaviour, but as we’ve seen in other parties in recent days, you do get these sorts of people.

“It reinforces that we have to be ever vigilant and ensure they are brought to justice.”

Ditta’s conviction comes just weeks after Alan Feeney, another former Tory councillor, was filmed using racist language by ITV. He has resigned as a Reform councillor from Solihull and Birmingham councils.

Lib Dem councillors said Ditta betrayed the standards expected of those in public office.

Councillor Sarah Murray, white ribbon ambassador and domestic abuse champion, said: “Voters expect their elected representatives to act with integrity, decency and respect for others.

“This horrific behaviour betrays those expectations, casts a shadow over local public life and damages public trust.

“We have a responsibility to condemn it unequivocally and to challenge the misogyny, entitlement and controlling behaviour that allow violence against women and girls to persist.

“No position, reputation or political connection should ever shield an abuser from accountability.”

Green councillor Alex Mace said: “First and foremost my thoughts are with the victim in this case. I hope that the custodial sentence of nine years provides some comfort that justice has been done.

“We are now four years down the line from when the original crimes were committed – justice delayed is very often justice denied.

“That is four years of particular anguish for another victim of male violence against women and girls.

“Worcester Conservatives have serious questions to answer. After Shawaz Ditta and Alan Feeney, how can anyone in Worcester trust their judgement again?”

Councillor Mace invited “anyone appalled by these crimes to join me at Reclaim the Night on Thursday, November 26 to protest against all forms of male violence against women and girls”.