Donaldson and wife back in court over sex offences case

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at Newry Crown Court. He wears a blue suit, white shirt and green tie. He has grey hair and wears glasses. There is a black car behind him. PA Images

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson attended Friday's court hearing

Julian O'Neill
BBC News NI crime and justice correspondent

Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Lady Eleanor have been back in court in their case involving sex abuse charges.

The latest hearing involved an application by Mrs Donaldson, 58, to have two charges against her withdrawn.

She is facing a total of five charges of aiding and abetting her husband's alleged offending.

The couple have denied all the charges against them and they are due to stand trial in a month's time.

Ruling at later date

Lady Eleanor Donaldson arrives at Newry Crown Court. She wears a black puffer coat and black top. She has short grey hair. There are cars parked behind her. There is a police officer in a yellow high vis jacket behind her.PA Media

Lady Eleanor Donaldson arrives at Newry Crown Court

Sir Jeffrey, 62, is accused of 18 offences, including one count of rape and others of indecent assault and gross indecency.

The offences allegedly occurred between 1985 and 2008.

The couple appeared together in the dock of Newry Crown Court on Friday for a hearing which lasted almost five hours.

Neither spoke, with the ex-MP listening to legal arguments with his arms folded.

Details of the proceedings cannot be reported for legal reasons.

Mr Justice Paul Ramsey said he will rule on the application on a later date.

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