Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court as sex offences trial enters third week

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson arriving at Newry Crown Court last weekplaceholder image
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson arriving at Newry Crown Court last week

The former MP and DUP leader, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences.

The sexual offences trial of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife is entering its third week.

The former leader of the DUP arrived at Newry Crown Court shortly after 9am on Monday.

The ex-MP, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences.

The charges include one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency, and span a time period between 1985 and 2008 involving two alleged victims.

Complainant A and B have both previously given evidence at the sexual offences trial.

Eleanor Donaldson, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending.

She is facing a trial of the facts.

The prosecution case will continue on Monday when it is expected that the jury of seven men and five women will be played police interviews with the Donaldsons.

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