Number of historical sex offences Sir Jeffrey Donaldson facing increases to 18

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Northern Ireland News

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The number of historical sex offences being faced by former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has increased before his latest court appearance.

Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is to face additional historical sex offence charges in court on Wednesday.

Donaldson, 61, is expected to appear at Newry Magistrates’ Court for a preliminary enquiry hearing to establish if there is sufficient evidence to send him for trial.An evidence file has since been reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service and the former DUP leader will now face 18 charges.The charges span a time period between 1985 and 2008.Donaldson has previously indicated that he will contest charges against him.

It is understood that in a letter to DUP party officers at the time, he made clear he would be “strenuously contesting” all charges against him. Weeks prior to his arrest, he had led the DUP back into Stormont following a two-year boycott of the powersharing institutions.There was a large media and police presence when the two accused made their first appearance at Newry court in April. Wednesday will be the first occasion they have had to appear in court in person since then.Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.

 

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Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson facing seven more sex offence chargesThe number of historical sex offences being faced by former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has increased to 18 before his latest court appearance.
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