Jeffrey Donaldson appears in court over alleged sex offences
Both Donaldson and his wife strenuously deny the charges
Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at Newry court on April 24, 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson have appeared at Newry Magistrates Court to face sex charges.
He was escorted into the court by the PSNI amid chaotic scenes.
Jeffrey Donaldson faces 11 charges: one count of rape, one count of gross indecency and nine counts of indecent assault.
The charges relate to two complainants.
His wife also appeared in court, 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 couple had been kept at separate bail addresses, however the ex-DUP leader’s bail conditions have been relaxed to allow contact with his wife.
Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Liam Tunney and crime correspondent Allison Morris, who were both in court.
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Jeffrey Donaldson in court over historical sex offences
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