© Tom Blewitt – Predator Awareness

Two Labour councillors in Sandwell have pleaded not guilty to multiple charges connected to an alleged stabbing incident, as the case has now been sent to Crown Court.

Daniel Millard and Claire Mayo, both serving councillors in Sandwell, appeared before Dudley Magistrates’ Court where they denied all allegations put before them. The charges stem from an incident last year that prompted an investigation by West Midlands Police and led to immediate political repercussions within the local Labour group.

Daniel Millard has been charged with:

* Assault
* Affray
* Aiding an affray

Claire Mayo faces:

* Two counts of assault
* Two counts of affray

In total, the pair face seven charges between them. The offences are considered serious and will now proceed by way of indictment at Crown Court.

Following the hearing at Dudley Magistrates’ Court, the case was formally referred to Wolverhampton Crown Court, where both councillors are scheduled to appear in March 2026.

Both defendants entered not guilty pleas during the hearing. They remain on bail, subject to conditions that include not contacting the alleged victims involved in the case.

As they left court, Millard. and Mayo declined to comment on the allegations.

The charges have resulted in both councillors being suspended from the Labour Party pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. The alleged incident, described as involving a stabbing, triggered a significant police response and internal party scrutiny.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no findings have yet been made by a jury. The case will now move to the Crown Court, where further hearings are expected ahead of any potential trial.

Proceedings continue