The former leader of the DUP, Jeffrey Donaldson, is set to face a preliminary inquiry for historic sexual abuse allegations on the 3rd of July. The confirmation came during a short review hearing at the Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Fiona O’Kane, the barrister representing Public Prosecution Service (PPS) of Northern Ireland, informed that all necessary documents had been delivered to the defence and the prosecutors were prepared to move forward. Both Jeffrey Donaldson and his co-defendant, his wife Eleanor Donaldson, were not present in court as their attendance was not mandatory.
Donaldson’s legal advisor, John Burney, confirmed to the court that they had received the documents the day before and agreed that the 3rd of July would be the date of inquiry.
A preliminary inquiry is conducted to decide if there is enough evidence to send the case to the Crown Court for trial.
Ms O’Kane advised Judge Eamonn King that both defendants must be present for the inquiry. Significantly, the hearing will be conducted a day before the UK general election on July 4th.
During a court hearing in Newry the previous month, Mr Burney attested that his client will not run for re-election as an MP, but will not immediately step down.
Jeffrey Donaldson (61), who resides at the DUP office in Castle Street, Lisburn, was brought to court in April. He faces charges of rape and other sexual offences that are alleged to have occurred over a 20-year period.
In total, he faces 11 accusations – rape, gross indecency with or towards a child, and nine counts of indecent assault on a female – that have occurred between 1985 and 2006.
Eleanor Donaldson (58), living in Dromore, Co Down, is accused of aiding and abetting rape and indecent assault along with two counts of being cruel to a person under 16 years old. These incidents supposedly occurred between 1985 and 2004.