Francis Usanga pleads not guilty to attack on ex-girlfriend

Former TV fitness instructor Francis Usanga has pleaded not guilty to assaulting his ex-girlfriend and will go on trial in November.

Mr Usanga, previously a fitness expert on RTÉ's Today show, is accused of assault causing harm to model Emma Murphy (26).

The attack allegedly took place at FX Fitness gym in Santry in Dublin on July 3rd of last year. The charge is under Section Three of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

The prosecution had previously been ordered to provide disclosure of evidence to the defence.

Mr Usanga's solicitor Daniel Hanahoe told Judge Hugh O'Donnell that a hearing date was required.

Judge O’Donnell ordered that the non-jury district court trial take place in November,. The District Court can, on conviction, impose a sentence of up to 12 months as well as a fine.

Medical reports were previously furnished to the court which also heard an 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.

At his previous hearing on March 30th, free legal aid was granted to Mr Usanga after a statement of his means was furnished to the court which was also told he is currently unemployed.