Jeffrey Donaldson sent for trial on sex offence charges
A judge has decided there is enough proof to hold a trial for Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife regarding allegations of sexual offenses from the past.
The ex-leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), who is 61 years old, attended a preliminary inquiry hearing at Newry Magistrates' Court.
He is facing charges for 18 crimes against two people who say he harmed them.
The former Member of Parliament is accused of committing rape, as well as four instances of inappropriate behavior and 13 instances of offensive physical contact.
His spouse, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, who is also 58 years old, is a co-defendant in the case.
She is charged with helping others commit crimes in relation to the reported offenses.
The crimes are said to have occurred from 1985 to 2008.
Both defendants were present in court during a brief three-minute hearing on Wednesday.
The purpose of the hearing was to determine if there is enough evidence to move the case forward to a trial in crown court.
While in court, both accused individuals were given the opportunity to speak about the allegations against them.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson responded: "Not at the moment."
His spouse answered: "Negative".
District Judge Eamonn King stated: "Based on the documents presented in court, I believe there is enough evidence to proceed with a case."
He scheduled the next court appearance for September 10.
Both individuals accused of a crime are currently out on bail.
The couple was taken into custody at their residence on March 28 and accused following a day of interrogation at the Antrim police station.
They initially showed up in court in April.
Sir Jeffrey said he would vigorously fight the accusations as he announced his resignation as DUP leader.
In 2021, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson won the election to become the leader of the DUP.
He held the record for being the MP from Northern Ireland for the longest time. He was chosen to represent the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) in Parliament back in 1997.
He began his political career by working for MP Enoch Powell from 1982 to 1984, shortly after becoming a member of the UUP.
Sir Jeffrey began his career in active politics in 1985, when he was chosen as the youngest member of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
In 2003, he departed the UUP to align with the DUP because of his enduring disapproval of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement and David Trimble's leadership.
Sir Jeffrey successfully led the DUP back into government in Northern Ireland after a two-year absence from the devolved institutions.
He was given the title of knight in 2016 for his work in politics.
He tied the knot with his wife Eleanor in 1987.
