DUP MP JIM SHANNON CHARGED WITH COMMON ASSAULT

Jim Shannon, a Democratic Unionist Party MP, has been charged with common assault of a woman. The alleged incident occurred on 1 October 2023. Shannon did not attend Newtownards Magistrates' Court on Monday, where the case was heard. His defence counsel, Conan Rea, confirmed that a defence statement has been lodged with the court.

The Public Prosecution Service indicated its intention to amend dates on paperwork previously filed, but the defence stated it will object to those amendments. Rea told deputy district judge Trevor Browne that the defence has submitted a skeleton argument detailing their objections. The judge adjourned proceedings to allow prosecuting counsel time to reply to the defence submissions.

Shannon has represented Strangford in the House of Commons since 2010. He was previously elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998, with re-election in 2003 and 2007. The case is scheduled to return to court on 1 September.