A judge has determined that there is sufficient evidence for Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife to stand trial for historical sex offence charges. The 61-year-old former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader appeared at a preliminary hearing in Newry Magistrates’ Court, where he is accused of 18 offences involving two alleged victims. These charges include rape, four counts of gross indecency, and 13 counts of indecent assault.
Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 58, faces five charges of aiding and abetting related to the alleged offences, which are said to have occurred between 1985 and 2008. Both appeared in court for a brief three-minute hearing on Wednesday, where the judge confirmed there was enough evidence to proceed to a crown court trial. When asked if they wished to comment on the charges, Sir Jeffrey replied, “Not at this stage,” while his wife simply said, “No.”
District Judge Eamonn King stated, “I am satisfied, on the basis of the papers before the court, there is a prima facie case to answer.” The next hearing is scheduled for 10 September. Both remain on bail. The couple was arrested at their home on 28 March after a day of questioning at Antrim police station and made their first court appearance in April. Sir Jeffrey has announced his intention to vigorously contest the charges and has since stepped down as DUP leader.
On the day of the hearing, photographers and news crews gathered outside the courthouse, while police officers lined the road. The Donaldsons arrived separately between 09:30 and 10:00 BST and left the courthouse around 11:00, under intense media scrutiny.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was elected DUP leader in 2021 and is Northern Ireland’s longest-serving MP, having first been elected to Parliament in 1997 as a member of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). He began his political career working for MP Enoch Powell and was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1985. He joined the DUP in 2003, opposing the Good Friday Agreement and the leadership of David Trimble. Sir Jeffrey was knighted in 2016 for his political service and married Lady Eleanor in 1987.
By FCCT Editorial Team freeslots dinogame telegram营销
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