Northern Ireland's Donaldson pleads not guilty to historical sex offenses

[September 10, 2024]  NEWRY, Northern Ireland (Reuters) - Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to 18 charges related to historical sex offenses, including one count of rape.  

Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) charged with historical sex offences, arrives at Newry Magistrates Court for a preliminary enquiry, in Newry, Northern Ireland, July 3, 2024. REUTERS/Damien Eagers/File Photo

His trial will begin on March 24, Newry Crown Court heard.

Donaldson, one of Northern Ireland's best-known politicians, stepped down suddenly as head of the British region's largest unionist party in March after the DUP said he had been charged with allegations of an historical nature.

The charges include 13 counts of indecent assault on a female child and four counts of gross indecency towards a child. The charges relate to two complainants and the events allegedly took place between 1985 and 2008.

Donaldson's wife Eleanor pleaded not guilty to three charges, including aiding and abetting rape, during Tuesday's hearing.

(Reporting by Amanda Ferguson; Writing by Conor Humphries; Editing by Alex Richardson)

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