Oliver Steadman Pleads Not Guilty to Blackmail Charge in UK Court
Oliver Steadman, 29, pleaded not guilty to blackmail at Southwark Crown Court in connection with an alleged honeytrap plot targeting Westminster politicians. The charge involves then-Conservative MP William Wragg, who admitted sharing colleagues' phone numbers. Steadman faces additional charges and remains on bail until his 2027 trial.
order-order.com# Oliver Steadman Pleads Not Guilty to Blackmail Oliver Steadman, aged 29, pleaded not guilty to a blackmail charge at Southwark Crown Court. The charge relates to an alleged honeytrap plot targeting men involved in Westminster politics. Steadman was charged with one count of blackmailing then Conservative MP William Wragg.
The blackmail aimed to obtain telephone numbers of up to 12 individuals. William Wragg admitted to sharing colleagues' personal phone numbers with someone he met on a dating app. Wragg stood down as an MP following the incident.
Additional Charges Pending Steadman did not enter pleas to charges of sending menacing messages to William Wragg.
He also did not enter pleas to charges of sending indecent images to others. The recipients of the indecent images included Conservative MP Luke Evans, former Conservative MP Ben Everitt and former Conservative MP Ross Thompson. Steadman was arrested in June 2024.
He was suspended as a Labour member after the party was notified of his arrest in June 2024. Steadman resigned as a councillor in Islington, north London, a month after his arrest in June 2024.
Court Proceedings Scheduled Steadman will remain on unconditional bail until his trial on 4 October 2027.
A pre-trial hearing for Steadman is due on 12 October 2026. The BBC reported on the details of the charges and court appearances.
Story Timeline
6 events- 2027-10-04
Trial for Oliver Steadman scheduled.
1 sourceThe BBC - 2026-10-12
Pre-trial hearing for Oliver Steadman due.
1 sourceThe BBC - 2026-04-15
Oliver Steadman pleads not guilty to blackmail at Southwark Crown Court.
1 sourceThe BBC - 2024-07
Oliver Steadman resigns as councillor in Islington.
1 sourceThe BBC - 2024-06
Oliver Steadman arrested and suspended from Labour Party.
1 sourceThe BBC - 2024
William Wragg stands down as MP after admitting to sharing phone numbers.
1 sourceThe BBC
Potential Impact
- 01
William Wragg's resignation creates a vacancy in his parliamentary seat.
- 02
Westminster politicians increase caution with personal data sharing.
- 03
Labour Party faces scrutiny over Steadman's suspension and prior role.
- 04
Affected MPs like Luke Evans may pursue legal actions against Steadman.
- 05
Public trust in political figures could decline due to the honeytrap exposure.
Transparency Panel
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