Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), made his first court appearance on Wednesday facing charges of sexual abuse dating back nearly four decades. His wife, Eleanor Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, also faces charges related to the alleged crimes. Both were released on bail. Donaldson has denied the charges and resigned as DUP leader. The case has shocked the party and will be adjourned until May 22.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), has been released on bail after being charged with 11 offenses, including rape, gross indecency, and indecent assault. The charges relate to alleged incidents between 1985 and 2006 involving two victims. His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, is also facing charges related to the same investigation. The case will be mentioned again on May 22, but the couple does not have to attend.
Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), is facing 11 charges of rape, gross indecency with or towards a child, and indecent assault on a female over a 21-year period. The charges span from 1985 to 2006, and Donaldson was arrested and charged last month before being released on bail. His wife, Eleanor, was also charged with separate offences and is due to appear in court on Wednesday. The DUP has suspended Donaldson from the party pending the outcome of the judicial process, appointing Gavin Robinson as the interim party leader.
Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, 61, has appeared at Newry Magistrates’ Court to face historical sex charges. He was arrested and charged in relation to historical sexual allegations at the end of March. Donaldson, accompanied by his solicitor, did not speak upon arriving at the court. A 58-year-old woman has also been charged with aiding and abetting additional offenses in relation to the same police investigation. Donaldson resigned as DUP leader and was suspended from the party pending the outcome of the judicial process. He has indicated his intention to contest all charges against him. East Belfast MP and deputy leader Gavin Robinson has been appointed interim party leader. Donaldson remains the MP for Lagan Valley.
Former Democratic Unionist Party leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, will appear in court later today to face charges related to historical sexual allegations. The 61-year-old politician was arrested and charged in March. A 57-year-old woman has also been charged with aiding and abetting offenses during 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.
