Former DUP leader Donaldson to stand trial over alleged past sex offences

Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been sent to court over allegations of historical sex offences.

A district judge at Newry Magistrates' Court said he was satisfied Donaldson, 61, and his wife and co-accused Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 58, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, had a prima facie case to answer at a commitment hearing on Wednesday.

They will next appear in Newry Magistrates Court on September 10 for a pre-trial arraignment hearing.

When he appeared in court on Wednesday, Donaldson was asked about his reaction to the accusations. He replied: “Not at this stage.”

Donaldson is charged with one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency and 13 counts of indecent assault.

The charges relate to a period between 1985 and 2008.

Donaldson has already indicated he will contest the charges against him.

Eleanor Donaldson is charged with complicity in the alleged offences.

There was a heavy police presence when Donaldson arrived at Newry courthouse, but no repeat of the chaotic scenes at his last appearance in April.

The small courtroom was packed for the hearing. Donaldson and his wife sat in the back of the room, separated by court officers.

Jeffrey Donaldson wore a navy suit and had a beard. Eleanor Donaldson wore a cream-colored jacket.

After confirming their names and addresses, the charges were read out at the preliminary investigation (PI) hearing.

The hearing was to determine whether there was enough evidence to advance the case to trial before the Crown.

Donaldson is now charged with 18 historic sexual offences, following a review of the case by the Northern Ireland Crown Prosecution Service. He was originally charged with 11 counts when he first appeared in court in April.

His wife faces five charges.

There are two alleged victims.

District Judge Eamonn King said: “I am satisfied on the material before the court that there is a prima facie case which must be answered.”

The court clerk then asked the defendants if they wished to say anything at this stage in response to the charges.

Jeffrey Donaldson said: “Not at this stage.”

His wife said, “No.”

Donaldson gave the same response when asked whether he wished to submit written statements as evidence at this stage of the proceedings.

Both men were released on bail until September 10.

It has already been confirmed that Donaldson, who was the long-serving MP for Lagan Valley, will not stand for re-election in this week's UK general election.

He was arrested and charged in connection with the historical sex allegations in late March.

Donaldson resigned as DUP leader and was suspended from the party after the allegations against him emerged.

It appears that in a letter to DUP leaders at the time he made it clear that he would “vigorously contest” all the accusations made against him.

Just weeks before his arrest, he had led the DUP back to Stormont after a two-year boycott of the power-sharing institutions.

Former deputy leader Gavin Robinson has been named as his successor as DUP leader.