LABOUR'S Marie Rimmer will go on trial in Scotland charged with assault less than two months before she is due to contest the St Helens South and Whiston seat at next May's general election.
The veteran politician travelled to Glasgow last week for a hearing at the city’s Sherriff’s Court to plead not guilty to the charge that she assaulted a woman at a Glasgow Polling station.
Rimmer, a 67-year-old West Park councillor and former leader of St Helens Council, is alleged to have committed the offence after travelling to Scotland to campaign for the 'No Vote' on the day the country held a referendum for independence.
The court ruled that the case will have another preliminary hearing in February, which she is not required to attend this hearing, before a trial is held on March 19 at the Sheriff's Court.
The trial is due to be held before the Sheriff, rather than jury, who has powers to hand sentences to a maximum of 12 months in prison for any defendants found guilty.
The scheduling of the trial means Rimmer will be in court at a time when next year's election campaign is in full swing, meaning it is likely to be the subject of considerable media attention.
The general election date is set for May 7, 2015.
Labour North West, which in the wake of the arrest a month ago said they were looking "very seriously at the allegations", plan to stand by their candidate and have no intention of suspending her while the legal process runs its course.
It is also understood Rimmer, who was overlooked as an MP candidate for St Helens in 2001 when Labour big guns decided to parachute in Shaun Woodward, will not step down from the election race because of the impending court case.
Her spokesperson said: "Marie attended court to enter a not guilty plea, due to ongoing legal proceeding she is unable to offer further comment at this stage.
"However she looks forward to the conclusion of this matter and will continue to stand up for the residents of St Helens South and Whiston."
The Labour Party said she remains their chosen candidate. A spokesperson stated: “The Labour Party takes the matter very seriously and will continue to monitor the ongoing legal proceedings.”
The alleged assault is said to have happened at Shettleston Community Centre in Glasgow at about 1pm on Thursday, September 18. Rimmer was arrested at the scene by police and the allegations swiftly circulated on social media, leading to regional and national newspapers picking up the story.
Rimmer had travelled to Scotland to campaign alongside Labour colleagues. A spokesperson for Labour in St Helens said the trip was for party political purposes and had no connection to work as a St Helens councillor.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article