Donaldson due in court over sex offence charges

Image source, Getty/Charles McQuillan

Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is due in court in Newry later, accused of a number of historical sex offences.

The 61-year-old was arrested at his home in March and charged later that day.

He has said he will be strenuously contesting the charges, which include an allegation of rape.

A 57-year-old woman is also due in court accused of aiding and abetting in connection with the alleged offences.

Sir Jeffrey resigned as DUP leader within hours of being charged on 28 March, with Gavin Robinson appointed as the party's interim leader.

In a statement at the time, the party said Sir Jeffrey had stepped down with immediate effect.

It added that his party membership was also suspended "pending the outcome of a judicial process".

Sir Jeffrey remains MP for the Lagan Valley constituency, a seat he has held since 1997.

A number of sources have indicated that he plans to attend Newry Magistrates' Court in person.

He will not be asked to formally enter a plea at his first court appearance - that will happen at a later stage of proceedings.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was elected leader of the DUP in 2021.

He is Northern Ireland's longest-serving MP, having been first elected to Parliament in 1997 as a representative of the Ulster Unionist Party.

In 2003, he left that party to join the DUP due to his long-standing opposition to the Good Friday Agreement and the leadership of David Trimble.

He was knighted in 2016 for political service.