Jim Shannon MP has been charged with common assault of a woman that allegedly took place on 1st October 2023.

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Member of Parliament for Strangford did not attend Newtownards Magistrates' Court on Monday. Defence counsel Conan Rea told the court that Shannon had lodged a defence statement.

His solicitors said the case was being "factually contested".

The 71-year-old was first elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998 and entered the House of Commons as Strangford MP in 2010.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said the party was aware of the matter, describing it as a "private dispute" within Shannon's family. Internal party proceedings had begun but were suspended after the courts became involved.

Robinson said the DUP would "await the outcome" of the case before deciding on any further action.