Jeffrey Donaldson court appearance: Charge sheets reveal extra details as ex-DUP leader has bail conditions relaxed
Allegations facing Lagan Valley MP – which he denies – span period of more than 20 years
Watch: Sir Jeffery Donaldson arrives in court on historic sex charges
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has had his bail conditions relaxed as he appeared at Newry Magistrates Court to face historical sex charges.
The ex-DUP leader was in the dock for a brief first appearance hearing this morning.
Donaldson was seen with his arms folded in what was a packed courtroom, separated from his wife – co-accused Lady Eleanor Donaldson (58) –separated by security staff who sat on either side.
During a short hearing which lasted around seven minutes, it was agreed that bail conditions prohibiting contact between Jeffrey and Eleanor Donaldson could be removed.
Given the significant media and public presence on the court video link, ahead of the short hearing Judge Eamonn King warned that any potential recording of the proceedings would see the online broadcast stopped.
Donaldson (61), faces 11 charges including one of rape, one of committing an act of gross indecency and nine of indecent assault on dates between 1985 and 2006.
His wife also appeared charged with aiding and abetting rape and indecent assault, as well as two counts of cruelty to a person under the age of 16.
The aiding and abetting charges relate to alleged incidents between January 1 1985 and December 31 1991, as well as a specific count of the charge on January 1 1985.
One cruelty charge is alleged to have occurred between January 1 1985 and December 31 1991, while the other alleged offence occurred between January 1 1998 and December 31 2004.
Detective Sergeant Fleming indicated he could connect the accused to the charges.
When presented with the charges in court and whether they understood them, both defendants responded “I do”.
Neither defendant was asked to formally enter a plea.
It was agreed that there could be a variation of bail conditions meaning the current no contact between both defendants can be removed.
Neither defendant is allowed contact with any prosecution witnesses.
Each defendant was released on their own bail of £350, with the matter back before the court on May 22 for mention.
It is not required that they appear at that hearing next month.
Donaldson arrived at the courthouse this morning amid chaotic scenes, and was wearing a grey suit and surrounded by photographers as he walked in around 9.30am.
Donaldson made no comment as he walked from a car through the front entrance.
Both are strenuously contesting the allegations.
Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at Newry courthouse on Wednesday morning (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)
Read more
Follow today’s court hearing in our live blog:
In pictures: Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court
Court hearing concluded: Bail conditions relaxed
Read full court report
More footage of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson arriving at Newry court
Court case under way after Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Eleanor Donaldson arrive at court
District Judge Eamonn Fox is presiding over the court.
Eleanor Donaldson arrives at court
In pictures: Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court
Huge media presence at Newry courthouse
It is understood that 13 journalists will be allowed into the courtroom with seating to accommodate up to 25 more in an overflow room where proceedings will be screened live.
The magistrate may consider imposing reporting restrictions.
Details emerge on charge sheets
On his charge sheet, Jeffrey Donaldson’s address is listed as Old Town Hall, 29 Castle Street, Lisburn - his constituency office.
The rape charge alleges that Donaldson, on a date unknown between January 1 1985 and January 1 1991, "had unlawful sexual intercourse” with the alleged victim “who at the time of the said intercourse did not consent to it”.
Another charge alleges Donaldson “committed an act of gross indecency towards a child” on a date between January 1 2005 and December 31 2006.
There are nine allegations of indecent assault - allegedly committed on dates spanning a period from January 1 1985 to January 1 2006.
Eleanor Donaldson, who turned 58 this week and with an address near Dromore, Co Down, is charged with aiding and abetting additional offences, again related to two complainants.
There are two counts of cruelty, while Eleanor Donaldson is also accused of aiding and abetting rape, and aiding and abetting indecent assault.
The four allegations facing Eleanor Donaldson span dates from January 1985 to December 2004.
Potential application to alter bail conditions
As part of his police bail conditions, the Lagan Valley MP is banned from having any contact with his wife, who is employed as his parliamentary secretary.
Since being freed, he has been living at an address in the Greenwich area of London, while she has been staying at the family home near Dromore, Co Down.
However, it is understood that he may seek to have his bail conditions varied on Wednesday so the couple can resume contact.
As Donaldson transfers from police bail to court bail, sources say he wants to resume living with his wife whether in London or at the family home.
He married Eleanor Cousins in June 1987. After being knighted in 2016, he said: “I am thankful that my wife Eleanor will share in the honour as well.”
The former DUP leader previously told of buying her tickets for the F1 British Grand Prix as a surprise Christmas present, joking: “I’m still earning Brownie points for that one.”
Suzanne Breen: Scrutiny Jeffrey Donaldson will be under like nothing he has ever faced
What's happening today?
Jeffrey Donaldson is expected to arrive in court around 10am with the charges put to him some time after 10.30am.
