Jeffrey Donaldson to face trial on child sexual abuse charges – Home

Eoin Reynolds

Updated: 11.15

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Eleanor will stand trial on a number of child sex offences charges following an initial inquest at Newry District Court on Wednesday morning.

The Donaldsons appeared briefly before Judge Eamonn King and confirmed their names, addresses and dates of birth.

After the judge determined there was a basis for filing a response, the Donaldsons were asked whether they would like to make a written or oral statement.

Mr Donaldson replied: “Not at this stage” and his wife simply replied: “No”.

Mr Justice King remanded them both in custody on the same bail conditions and remanded the Donaldsons to court on September 10 for a Crown Court hearing.

The court also formally dropped the arrest charges that had been brought against both men, but which had already been reviewed by prosecutors.

Mr Donaldson (61), a former MP for Lagan Valley with an address at Dromore, Co Down, is currently charged with one count of rape between 1 January 1987 and 1 January 1991.

He was charged with 13 counts of indecent behaviour towards a girl between 1987 and 1991 and four counts of serious indecent behaviour towards a child between 2005 and 2008.

Ms Donaldson (58), of the same address in Dromore, was charged with aiding and abetting rape between 1987 and 1991, three counts of aiding and abetting indecent assault on a girl and one count of child abuse between 2004 and 2008.

Ahead of the trial, PSNI officers gathered outside the courthouse in the early hours of the morning, preparing for the expected heavy press and public interest.

At 9 a.m., journalists entered through the narrow, single door that allowed entry to the court building.

The photographers, armed mostly with ladders, positioned themselves between the makeshift barriers on either side of the entrance through which the Donaldsons would also enter.

They arrived separately, Mr. Donaldson first at 9:30 a.m., having grown a beard since his last court appearance. Mrs. Donaldson arrived about 15 minutes later.

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline on 1800-77 8888, use the text and web chat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit the Rape Crisis He websiteplate