## Former Bridgend MP Katie Wallis Caught Swearing at Reporter Outside Cardiff Court
Former Conservative MP Katie Wallis was captured on camera delivering a verbal outburst towards a journalist as she awaited the commencement of a harassment trial at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court. Wallis, who previously held the Bridgend parliamentary seat from 2019 until 2024 and came out as the UK’s first openly transgender MP in 2022, is contesting allegations of harassment towards her ex-wife, Rebecca Wallis.
Monday’s scheduled court proceedings were postponed until next month after concerns were raised that the trial would extend beyond the time available. Wallis, represented in court by leading barrister Narita Bahra KC from London, was late to arrive at the hearing. Her legal representative attributed this to Wallis being “followed” by a journalist, prompting her to seek refuge at a nearby Tesco Express.
The scene outside the supermarket quickly escalated. When a reporter from WalesOnline attempted to take photographs, Wallis responded angrily with a string of expletives, saying, “Oh, for f***’s sake. This is harassment. Bugger off.” The situation intensified as Wallis confronted the reporter, demanding to know which media outlet he represented before adding, “WalesOnline? Okay, now f*** off,” and walking away. Shortly after, Wallis returned to the courthouse to attend the hearing.
Inside the courtroom, the prosecution revised the charge from stalking to harassment, alleging that Wallis repeatedly messaged and called her former spouse, as well as drove past her home, following their separation. Wallis pleaded not guilty to this charge. The defence sought to have the case thrown out, arguing insufficient evidence linked Wallis to the messages central to the case. However, District Judge Rhys Williams ruled that these matters should be examined during the trial, stating, “I need to consider the evidence.”
Observing the defendant during proceedings, reporters noted that Wallis appeared ill at ease, particularly when entering her plea from behind a glass partition. Judge Williams checked on her wellbeing after Wallis stumbled, to which she replied she was alright. Wallis’ barrister explained that her client struggled with claustrophobia and had only recently recovered sufficiently to participate in legal proceedings, citing earlier significant mental health challenges and a period during which Wallis was not mentally fit to instruct her defence.
While opening the prosecution’s case, Simone Walsh outlined the background of the relationship, which began over fifteen years earlier and ended with divorce finalised in 2024. She alleged that Wallis’ behaviour towards her ex-wife became “harassing in nature” after learning of a new relationship, arguing that repeated communications had caused distress. Walsh also stated that Wallis continued to contact her former spouse even after being bailed by police in February.
The defence highlighted Wallis’ fragile mental health at the time, as well as the claim that not all exchanges between the former couple had been disclosed to police. Bahra argued that Wallis’ attempts to contact her ex-wife stemmed from seeing her as her “only emotional support” during a pivotal stage in her transition. She asserted that Rebecca Wallis was unsupportive of her coming out as transgender and her decision to live openly as a woman.
Preparations in the courtroom included a felt screen to shield Rebecca Wallis from view while giving evidence, reflecting ongoing sensitivities between the parties. Proceedings were briefly disrupted when Katie Wallis’ phone rang, prompting a whispered apology and a gentle reminder from the judge to turn it off.
Ultimately, Judge Williams determined the case required more time than was available that day, expressing awareness of the stress placed on witnesses. He adjourned the case to 17 June, ensuring all parties would have adequate time to argue their positions.
This is not the first time Wallis has attracted media attention. In 2022, she was fined over £3,000 in total following a conviction for failing to stop after crashing her car, citing PTSD triggered by an encounter with local residents when dressed as a woman. In 2023, she announced she would not seek re-election at the next general election, referencing changes to the local parliamentary boundaries.
As the court adjourns and public interest remains high, this case continues to open wider conversations about the intersection of personal lives, mental health, and public scrutiny for those in political life.