Strangford MP Jim Shannon has been charged with common assault of a woman. The case was first listed at Ards Magistrates Court on Monday. The allegation relates to October 1, 2023.

Mr Shannon was not present for the hearing. Defence counsel Conan Rea appeared on his behalf. The court heard the Public Prosecution Service is seeking to amend dates on lodged paperwork. The defence has objected to that application and filed a skeleton argument outlining the objections. Deputy District Judge Trevor Browne adjourned the case until September 1 to allow prosecuting counsel to reply.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said after the hearing that the party had been aware of the matter for two years and described it as a private dispute within Mr Shannon's family. Mr Robinson said the party began internal proceedings but suspended them once the courts became involved. He said the party would await the outcome of the court case before making further decisions.

Mr Robinson said the Public Prosecution Service had considered the same facts on two previous occasions and decided on both occasions not to bring charges. He said this was the third time the PPS had considered the matter and it was now asking the court to adjudicate. He declined to comment further, saying he did not want to engage in speculation or commentary that could damage participants in what he called a family dispute.

Mr Shannon has served as the MP for Strangford since 2010. He was first elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998.