DUP MP Jim Shannon assault case drags on three years in Newtownards court

An assault case against Strangford MP Jim Shannon has been running for three years, a court heard. Prosecutors have sought more police materials, with the next hearing set for 29 September.

DUP MP's assault case enters fourth year as defence cites process concerns

An assault case against Democratic Unionist Party MP Jim Shannon has been ongoing for three years, the Irish Times reports, with no end in sight after the latest brief hearing on Tuesday.

Shannon (71), who holds the Strangford seat at Westminster since 2010, is accused of assaulting a woman on 1 October 2023. His address is listed as the DUP office on Frances Street in Newtownards.

Shannon did not appear at Newtownards Magistrates' Court for the hearing, which lasted only a few minutes. The court was told a defence statement has been lodged, and prosecutors have requested additional materials from police, seeking a further three weeks for those to be received.

A defence lawyer challenged the delay, noting the case had already been running for three years and questioning why more time was necessary. "There is an abuse of process application in this matter," the lawyer told the court.

The case is next due before the same court on 29 September for a progress review.

Source: Irish Times