Ex-DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson to face trial over 18 sex offence allegations

Ex-DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson will face trial over allegations of 18 historical sex offences. District Judge Eamonn King, at Newry Magistrates' Court, said he was satisfied Donaldson, 61, and his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 58, who is also facing charges, had a prima facie case to answer during a committal hearing. They will appear at Newry Crown Court on 10 September for an arraignment hearing ahead of their trial.

The Northern Irish politician was initially charged with 11 sex offences in April but on Tuesday that was increased to 18, while his wife's charges were increased from four to five, after the Public Prosecution Service reviewed the police evidence, as is the normal practice. Donaldson, who was Northern Ireland's longest-serving MP, resigned as DUP leader after he was charged on 28 March following a day of questioning.

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