A former TV fitness instructor is alleged to have assaulted his ex-girlfriend following a “series of rows”, a court has been told.
Francis Usanga (29), who used to appear on RTÉ's Today show, is accused of assault causing harm to model Emma Murphy (26) at FX Fitness in Santry on July 3rd, 2015.
Mr Usanga, of Lanesboro, Finglas, Dublin, is charged at Dublin District Court under Section Three of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.
Defence solicitor Daniel Hanahoe told Judge John King that the DPP had previously directed the case be dealt with at district court level and should not be sent forward to the circuit court, which has tougher sentencing powers.
In making a final ruling on the trial venue, Judge King read medical reports and was given a brief outline of the allegations.
“It will be alleged that the altercation occurred following a dispute between both parties, there had been series of rows,” Det Sgt Michael Mulligan told the court.
Judge King said he did not see any reason why he would not accept jurisdiction. He acceded to a request from Mr Hanahoe to grant a full disclosure order and adjourned the case for 10 weeks.
Mr Usanga had previously been granted free legal aid after a statement of his means was furnished to the court which was told he is currently unemployed.