Jim Shannon, the Democratic Unionist Party MP for Strangford, has been charged with common assault of a woman in an incident alleged to have taken place on 1 October 2023. The 71-year-old politician, whose listed address is the DUP offices on Frances Street in Newtownards, was not present when the matter was heard at Newtownards Magistrates' Court.
According to the Irish Times, the hearing took place on 17 August 2026, when Deputy District Judge Trevor Browne ordered that the case be adjourned to 1 September 2026.
What happened in court?
Defence barrister Conan Rea told the court that a defence statement had already been submitted on Shannon's behalf. The Public Prosecution Service indicated it intends to seek an amendment to the dates listed on paperwork it had previously filed, a move the defence team has signalled it will contest.
Rea informed Deputy District Judge Browne that the defence had filed a skeleton argument setting out the grounds for its objection. The judge adjourned proceedings to allow prosecuting counsel time to respond to the defence's submissions, with the case now due to return to court on 1 September 2026, a date confirmed by the Irish Times.
Who is Jim Shannon?
Shannon has held elected office for more than two decades, first winning a seat in the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998 before securing re-election in 2003 and again in 2007. He moved to Westminster in 2010 after being elected to the House of Commons as the representative for Strangford, a seat he continues to hold.
What happens next?
The case is scheduled to return before Newtownards Magistrates' Court on 1 September 2026, when prosecutors are expected to respond to the defence's objections regarding the disputed paperwork dates, as reported by the Irish Times.
Key Facts
- Jim Shannon, 71, DUP MP for Strangford, has been charged with common assault of a woman.
- The alleged incident occurred on 1 October 2023.
- Shannon did not appear at the 17 August 2026 hearing at Newtownards Magistrates' Court.
- Defence counsel Conan Rea confirmed a defence statement has been lodged and objections raised over prosecution paperwork amendments.
- The case has been adjourned to 1 September 2026.
