Ten questions answered regarding the Sir Jeffrey Donaldson case
Eleanor and Sir Jeffrey Donaldson at a recent family wedding
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Eleanor have appeared in court for the first time. Here’s what we know so far.
When was Donaldson arrested?
Donaldson was arrested along with his wife Eleanor on the morning of Thursday, March 28 when police arrived at their home in Co Down.
They were taken to Antrim Police Station where they were questioned separately throughout the day. The pair were later charged that night.
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What has Donaldson and his wife been charged with?
Donaldson has been charged with 11 historical sexual offences, while Eleanor Donaldson has been charged with aiding and abetting rape and indecent assault, as well as two counts of cruelty to a person under that age of 16.
The 11 charges facing the former DUP leader are:
When did the alleged offences happen?
The charges against Jeffrey Donaldson relate to two complainants and are alleged to have occurred between January 1, 1985 and December 31, 1991.
Eleanor Donaldson’s 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.
In relation to the cruelty charges, one is alleged to have occurred between January 1, 1985 and December 31, 1991, while the other is alleged to have occurred between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2004.
What have the PSNI said?
While not naming Donaldson or his wife, a PSNI spokesperson said after the pair were initially charged: “Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland arrested and charged a 61-year-old man for non-recent sexual offences.
“A 57-year-old woman was also arrested and charged at the time for aiding and abetting additional offences.
“Both are due to appear before Newry Magistrates Court on April 24.”
In a statement on March 30, the PSNI issued a further statement warning about online comments about the case, which “may ultimately have a negative impact on a criminal justice process.”
What has the DUP’s reaction been?
The day after the pair were charged, the DUP named Donaldson as the person in question in a statement.
“The party chairman has received a letter from Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP confirming that he has been charged with allegations of a historical nature and indicating that he is stepping down as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party with immediate effect,” the statement read.
“In accordance with the party rules, the party officers have suspended Mr Donaldson from membership, pending the outcome of a judicial process.
“The party officers have this morning unanimously appointed Mr Gavin Robinson MP as the interim party leader.”
Interim DUP leader Gavin Robinson described the revelation as “devastating”.
“It has caused a tremendous shock, not just for myself personally, or my colleagues within the DUP, but for the community right across Northern Ireland,” he said in an interview with the BBC.
What has Donaldson said?
The Lagan Valley MP did not comment on his arrest, until he appeared in court on Wednesday, however in a letter to DUP party officers he said he would be “strenuously contesting” the charges against him. It is understood Eleanor Donaldson will also be denying the charges.
Why did Northern Ireland’s Attorney General speak out about the case?
Like the PSNI, Northern Ireland’s Attorney General, Dame Brenda King, also spoke about commentary regarding the case.
While not naming Donaldson or his wife, Ms King said: “The Attorney advises the public as well as media outlets to think about potential consequences before publishing, posting or sharing commentary, online or otherwise.” She also warned the public and media of the risk of contempt of court.
Where had Donaldson and his wife in the time since they were charged until they appeared in court?
Bail conditions meant the pair could not have any contact with each other. Donaldson had been residing at a bail address in London, while Eleanor had been at the family home in Co Down.
What happened today?
Donaldson and his wife Eleanor appeared at Newry Magistrates Court. They sat in the dock, separated by security staff.
Both defendants spoke to confirm their names and dates of birth, and that they understood the charges against them. A PSNI officer said he could connect the accused to the charges.
An application to vary the bail conditions to allow contact between Mr and Mrs Donaldson was granted by the judge.
Crown Prosecution Service counsel said a list of potential witnesses that the accused are prohibited from contacting would be provided to the court, adding that more witnesses have been spoken two since the charges were originally laid. Each defendant was released on their own bail of £350
What will happen next?
District Judge King has adjourned the case until May 22 for mention. Neither defendant will be required to appear in court on that date.
News Catch Up: Tuesday 23rd April 2024
