DUP MP Jim Shannon charged with common assault on woman

DUP MP Jim Shannon has been charged with common assault of a woman. In a case listed at Newtownards Magistrates Court on Monday, the 71-year-old is alleged to have assaulted a female on 1 October 2023. The background of the case has not been opened.Shannon, with an address at DUP offices on Frances Street in Newtownards, did not attend court on Monday where defence counsel Conan Rea outlined that he has lodged a defence statement. The court heard that the PPS will be applying to amend dates on paperwork which they had lodged. Mr Rea, instructed by Donnelly and Wall solicitors, said however, that the defence will be objecting to that course. He told Deputy District Judge Trevor Browne in that regard, the defence have lodged a skeleton argument detailing their objections. With prosecuting co