Former DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson to Face Trial for Historical Sex Offences

Published on July 3, 2024

The former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Sir Jeffrey Donaldson will face trial for historical sex offences. Sir Jeffrey, 61, is accused of 18 charges in total—one count of rape, four of gross indecency and 13 of indecent assault—all dating from between 1985 and 2008. He has previously indicated he will contest the charges. On Wednesday Sir Jeffrey and his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 58, appeared for a brief committal hearing before a district judge at Newry Magistrates’ Court. Lady Eleanor faces five charges of aiding and abetting the alleged offences. ‘Prime Facie Case to Answer’ District Judge Eamonn King said, “I am satisfied on the basis of the papers before the court that there is a prima facie case to answer.”...

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