TV fitness guru facing assault trial

A TV fitness guru is facing trial for assaulting his model ex-girlfriend.

Former RTÉ Today show fitness expert Francis Xavier Usanga, 29, of Lanesboro, Finglas, Dublin, is accused of assault causing harm to Emma Murphy at FX Fitness in Santry on July 3 last.

The charge is under Section Three of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. He appeared before Judge Patricia McNamara yesterday at Dublin District Court.

Mother-of-two, 26-year-old Ms Murphy, a model and fitness blogger, watched the proceedings from the public gallery.

Defence solicitor Daniel Hanahoe said it was the case’s first listing in court. Judge McNamara noted the charge and the defence was asking for an order for disclosure of evidence.

Det Sgt Michael Mulligan told Judge McNamara the DPP has directed summary disposal. This means the case could be dealt with at district court level and not sent forward to the circuit court, which has tougher sentencing powers.

However, a final ruling on the trial venue has to be made.

Judge McNamara asked if the defence wanted the jurisdiction issue to be decided, however Mr Hanahoe asked for that not to be done at this stage. He was a granted an adjournment until May 5 to allow gardaí time to provide disclosure of evidence.

Mr Usanga, who was accompanied to court by his mother, has not yet entered plea to the charge.

Nigerian-born Mr Usanga previously appeared in TV3’s Red Rock and on RTÉ’s Today presented by Dáithí Ó Sé and Maura Derrane, on a number of occasions.

Judge McNamara granted him free legal aid after she was furnished with a statement of his means and noted he is currently unemployed.