24/04/2024

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson And Wife Appear In Court

Former DUP Leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, have appeared before Newry Magistrates Court charged with a number of historical sex offences.

Donaldson, 61, is facing a total of 11 charges, including one charge of rape, one of gross indecency involving a child and nine charges of indecent assault.

His wife, 58-year-old Lady Eleanor, is facing four charges, including two counts of cruelty to a person under 16, aiding and abetting rape and aiding and abetting indecent assault.

The pair appeared together in court, speaking only to confirm their names, dates of birth and that they understood the charges.

They were not required to enter a plea at this stage.

Both have been released on bail of £350 each, with the removal of a previous condition that barred them from having any direct contact. They have also been told they must not make contact with any prosecution witnesses.

Another court date was set for 22 May, but it is understood that Sir Jeffrey and his wife have been excused from having to appear on that date.

According to reports, a detective sergeant told that the court that "police believe they can connect both accused to the charges".

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

13 July 2018
Man Charged Over Banbridge Murder
A man charged with the murder of another man found dead in Banbridge is to appear before Newry Magistrates' Court today, 13 July. The body of 55-year-old Richard Gerard Scullion was found at a property in the Millmount Court area on Monday, 09 July. Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact them.
24 May 2018
Man Appears In Court Charged With Firearms Offences
A 49-year-old man has appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court charged in relation with a number of firearm offences. On Wednesday, Detectives from the PSNI's Criminal Investigation Branch, discovered a number of firearms during the search of a property in the Springfield Road area of west Belfast.
08 September 2010
Man Bailed Over Sex Offences
A 40-year-old man has appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court today, charged in connection with a number of sexual offences. The man faces on charge of rape, two charges of sexual assault and one charge of sexual activity with a child.
04 October 2007
Man On Trial Over Ear-Biting Attack
A man has gone on trial accused of biting off another man's ear. John Totten, 27, of Milebush Close in Belfast, appeared at Belfast Crown Court charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent. The incident occurred outside of the bar at the Bentra Golf Club, Whitehead, in July 2006.
31 August 2007
Barman Denies Raping Woman
A 21-year-old barman has appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court charged with the rape of a 20-year-old woman in the University area of south Belfast. Conor Magee, from Dunblane Avenue in the city, denies the charge. Police were informed of the alleged rape in the early hours of Thursday morning.