COURT DATE
Jeffrey Donaldson sent for trial over allegations of historical sex offences as he’s asked if he’s anything to say
The pair arrived separately at court
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been sent for trial over allegations of historical sex offences.
A district judge at Newry Magistrates’ Court said he was satisfied that Donaldson, 61, and his wife and co-accused Eleanor Donaldson, 58, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, had a prima facie case to answer during a committal hearing.
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They will appear at Newry Crown Court on September 10 for an arraignment hearing ahead of their trial.
Donaldson and his wife arrived separately at Newry Magistrates’ Court this morning.
Mr Donaldson, 61, met his lawyer, John McBurney, as he arrived at court at around 9.30am, where there was a significant police presence.
His wife, 58, arrived about 15 minutes later.
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During his court appearance today, Donaldson was asked if he wanted to say anything in answer to the charges.
He responded: “Not at this stage.”
Donaldson is accused of one charge of rape, four of gross indecency and 13 charges of indecent assault.
The charges span a time period between 1985 and 2008.
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Donaldson has previously indicated that he will contest the charges against him.
Eleanor Donaldson faces charges of aiding and abetting in connection with the alleged offences.
DUP's Sir Jeffrey Donaldson steps down after being charged with historical sex offences
It has already been confirmed that Donaldson, who was the long-standing MP for Lagan Valley, is not running for re-election in the UK General Election this week.
He was arrested and charged in relation to the historical sexual allegations at the end of March.
Donaldson resigned as DUP leader and was suspended from the party after the allegations against him emerged.
It is understood that in a letter to DUP party officers at the time, he made clear he would be “strenuously contesting” all charges against him.
Weeks prior to his arrest, he had led the DUP back into Stormont following a two-year boycott of the powersharing institutions.
East Belfast MP and previous deputy leader, Gavin Robinson, has been appointed his successor as DUP leader.