Sir Jeffrey Donaldson case progressing 'on track'

In a letter to the party Sir Jeffrey said he would be strenuously contesting the charges

The prosecution case against former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson on historical sex offence charges is progressing “on track”, a review hearing in Newry has heard.

The court has set 3 July for a preliminary enquiry, the next stage in the case.

Sir Jeffrey, 61, is charged with 11 offences – one count of rape; one of gross indecency involving a child; and nine of indecent assault.

His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 58, a co-accused, faces four aiding and abetting charges.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between 1985 and 2006 and involve two alleged victims.

Neither of the accused appeared during a three minute hearing at Newry Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

The court was told case papers were received by their solicitors on Tuesday, allowing the preliminary inquiry to go ahead as planned in July.

Both the accused are required to attend court on 3 July.

The Donaldsons were arrested at their home on 28 March and charged by police after a day of questioning.

They remain released on bail.

Sir Jeffrey resigned as DUP leader after being charged.

In a letter to the party he said he would be strenuously contesting the charges.