Assault case against MP Jim Shannon ongoing for three years, court hears

By Rebecca Black, Press Association

An assault case against DUP MP Jim Shannon has been ongoing for three years, a court has heard.

The Strangford MP has been accused of assaulting a woman.

The offence is alleged to have taken place on October 1st 2023.

Shannon, 71, with an address at the DUP office in Frances Street in the town, did not attend the latest hearing at Newtownards Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, which lasted just a couple of minutes.

The court heard a defence statement has been lodged, and prosecutors have requested “some further materials from police”, and for a further three weeks for these to be received.

A defence lawyer said the case had been going on for three years, and queried why a further three weeks was needed.

“There is an abuse of process application in this matter,” he added.

The case is next to be mentioned at Newtownards Magistrates’ Court on September 29 for a check on progress.

Shannon has been the party’s MP for Strangford since 2010.