News / Bristol Magistrates Court
Woman denies fraud over Colston statue protest fundraisers
A woman linked with the protests which saw the toppling of Edward Colston’s statue in 2020 has denied two charges of fraud over a fundraiser connected with the movement.
Xahra Saleem appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning and entered two not guilty pleas to two charges of fraud by abuse of position.
The first charge put to the 22-year-old was that she is accused of committing fraud between June 28 2020 and September 22 2021.
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The court heard that Saleem, of Briars Walk in Romford, Essex, allegedly committed fraud “while occupying a position, namely ‘organiser’, in which you were expected to safeguard, or not to act against, the financial interests of the ABL Bristol, she dishonestly abused that position intending thereby to make a gain, namely used the funds raised, for yourself”.
The second charge relates to her role in the St Paul’s-based youth group, Changing Your Mindset Ltd.
Saleem allegedly committed fraud between June 23 2020 and September 22 2021 in that “while occupying a position, namely ‘director’, in which you were expected to safeguard, or not act against, the financial interests of Changing Your Mindset Ltd, she dishonestly abused that position intending thereby to make a gain, namely, used the funds raised, for herself”.
In court, Saleem, wearing a black niqab and long navy blue trench coat, spoke only to confirm her name, address and date of birth and state her not guilty pleas.
She allegedly committed the offences at High Ground, Tadpole Garden Village in Swindon, or “elsewhere”.
District judge Lynne Matthews adjourned the case and, due to its seriousness, referred it to Bristol Crown Court to be dealt with on January 30. Saleem was granted unconditional bail until then.
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
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