Jeffrey Donaldson and wife Eleanor sent for trial over historical allegations

Former DUP leader Sir 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 Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 58, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, had a prima facie case to answer during a committal hearing.
They will appear at Newry Crown Court on September 10 for an arraignment hearing ahead of their trial.
During his court appearance on Wednesday, 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. 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.
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.
Read more: www.belfastliv...
Video: Harry Bateman
___________________________________________________________________
Have you downloaded the Belfast Live app?
- Search for Belfast Live in the Google Play store: play.google.co...
- Search for Belfast Live in the App Store if you're on iOs: apps.apple.com...
SUBSCRIBE to other Belfast Live social channels:
- TWITTER | / belfastlive
- INSTAGRAM | / belfastlive
- FACEBOOK | / belfastliveonline
- WEBSITE | www.belfastliv...
You can get daily news updates straight to your inbox via our daily newsletter - sign up here:
www.belfastliv...
GET IN TOUCH WITH BELFAST LIVE
- Email: [e-mail]
- Got a story? Call us on 028 90568000