Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson will appear in Newry Magistrates’ Court later today on charges related to historical sexual allegations. The 61-year-old politician was arrested and charged at the end of March, while a 57-year-old woman has also been charged with aiding and abetting offenses in relation to the same police investigation.
Donaldson has denied the charges and resigned as DUP leader pending the outcome of the legal process. East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson has been appointed as interim leader. Donaldson remains the MP for Lagan Valley.
The charges against Donaldson are a significant development in the ongoing investigation into historical sexual abuse in Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has been investigating allegations of abuse at a number of institutions, including children’s homes and religious organizations.
