DUP MP Jim Shannon faces three-year assault case at Newtownards court

An assault charge against Strangford MP Jim Shannon has been before Newtownards Magistrates' Court for three years. A defence lawyer has filed an abuse of process application.

Assault proceedings against Strangford MP enter fourth year

An assault case against DUP MP Jim Shannon has been running for three years, Newtownards Magistrates' Court heard on Tuesday, according to BreakingNews.ie.

Shannon, 71, whose registered address is the DUP office on Frances Street, was not present at the latest hearing, which lasted only a few minutes. He has represented the Strangford constituency since 2010.

The charge relates to an alleged assault on a woman said to have occurred on 1 October 2023.

The court was told that a defence statement has been lodged and that prosecutors have requested additional materials from police, seeking a further three weeks for those materials to be received.

A defence lawyer challenged the delay, questioning why a further three weeks was required given the length of time the case had already been running.

"There is an abuse of process application in this matter," the lawyer said.

The case is listed to return before Newtownards Magistrates' Court on 29 September for a progress check.

Source: BreakingNews.ie