Senator Patrick Brazeau has appeared in a Gatineau, Que., court on charges of assault and sexual assault.

He is to be released on bail with a number of conditions and is expected to return to court next month.

The high-profile senator was arrested Thursday after a 911 call summoned police to his home, just across the river from Parliament Hill.

Brazeau was expelled from the Conservative caucus  almost immediately after his arrest.

His office says that he intends to remain in the Senate as an independent.

But the Senate rules say a senator facing charges is put on leave from the red chamber