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Senator Patrick Brazeau has surprised his peers by showing up in the Senate as it prepares to ask him to take a leave of absence.

Brazeau is in attendance in the upper chamber ahead of a motion from the Conservatives that would force him to take leave following charges for assault and sexual assault.

The motion will also call on a committee to cut off his access to his expense account.

The 38-year-old senator was arrested last Thursday after police were called to his home in Gatineau.

His leave of absence would remain in effect until the case is resolved.

If convicted, Brazeau could either be expelled or resign from the Senate.