A senior Solihull councillor will face trial on a charge of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl.

Coun Ian Hillas, 42, a former deputy leader of Solihull Borough Council, appeared at Warley Magistrates’ Court and was granted conditional bail. He was committed for trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court and will firstly face a plea and directions hearing on September 1.

Hillas, of Oakwood Croft, Solihull, who represents Castle Bromwich for the Conservatives on Solihull Council, has pleaded not guilty to one charge of a sexual assault in Cradley Heath.