Ex-DUP leader, Jeffrey Donaldson, has appeared in court over charges of rape and numerous sexual misconduct spanning more than 20 years. He faces 11 charges, including rape, gross indecency involving a minor, and nine instances of indecent assault on a woman, all within a time frame of 21 years.
The accusation of rape allegedly occurred between the 1st of January 1985 and the 1st of January 1991, while the charge of gross indecency is believed to have taken place from the 1st of January 2005 to the 31st of December 2006. The nine charges of indecent assault were purportedly committed between the 1st of January 1985 and the 1st of January 2006.
Last month, Donaldson, 61 years of age, was detained and later released on bail. Wednesday saw him arrive for the first stage of the court hearing at Newry Magistrates’ Court. Donaldson, who resides at the DUP constituency office in Castle Street, Lisburn, acknowledged his name and date of birth and confirmed his understanding of the charges.
Throughout the hearing, he remained in the dock with his spouse, Eleanor Donaldson, while dressed in a grey suit. They were accompanied by three prison escort officers, with one standing between the couple.
Eleanor, 58, who hails from Dromore, County Down, is herself facing charges, namely aiding and abetting rape and indecent assault, along with two charges of cruelty to a minor under 16. Her alleged offences are to have mostly transpired between the 1st of January 1985 and the 31st of December 1991. One count of cruelty to a minor is said to have happened from the 1st of January 1998 to the 31st of December 2004.
Eleanor also revealed her name and birth date and confirmed comprehension of the charges. A police officer asserted his ability to connect both the defendants to these charges.
Following the stipulation that the defendants should not be in contact being lifted, they were both released on their own £350 bail. The case has been adjourned till May 22nd.