Jeffrey Donaldson has arrived in court today on charges of historic sexual offences.
The Lagan Valley MP quit as leader of the DUP last month after he was officially charged by Northern Ireland police.
Mr Donaldson has denied the charges – but will not be asked to enter a formal plea when his case is called before Newry Magistrates’ Court.
“It’s been reported that Mr Donaldson is facing up to 11 sexual offence charges - including one of rape - and a 57-year-old woman is also expected to appear in court today, charged with aiding and abetting additional offences,” journalist Amanda Ferguson told Newstalk Breakfast.
“It’s been reported that all charges that both are facing will be strenuously contested.”
Jeffrey Donaldson arrives for first court appearance today on charges of historic sexual offences.
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) April 24, 2024
Once Mr Donaldson's case is called, the charges will be read to him and it is possible an application to vary his bail conditions will be made.
Most likely, a date will also be set for a future review of the case.
“With cases like this, once they’ve been through the various cases of the Magistrates’ Court, it’ll move to the Crown Court,” Ms Ferguson said.
A political earthquake
Since Mr Donaldson’s resignation as DUP leader, East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson has become interim leader, with Emma Little Pengelly remaining on as Deputy First Minister.
Ms Ferguson described the events of the past few weeks as a “political earthquake” but said the “normal business of Government” has continued uninterrupted.
“However, it has been noticeable perhaps that the DUP has been less forthcoming on the airwaves,” she said.
“Perhaps being a bit more reserved in their media appearances, they’re very much trying to present a united front and differentiate themselves from the charges that their former leader is facing.”
Stormont.For now, other political parties have avoided commenting on the issue.
“I think the political parties, across the political spectrum aren’t trying to make any particular gain from this particular set of circumstances,” Ms Ferguson said.
“They’re just focusing on the fact that the police investigation and the criminal justice process has to be respected and should be allowed to follow due process.”
Alleged survivors of most sexual offences are entitled to lifelong anonymity in Northern Ireland.
Anyone impacted by any of the issues discussed in this article can contact for free the Rape Crisis Centre 24-Hour National Helpline on 1800 77 8888.
Main image: Jeffrey Donaldson. Picture by: Ian Davidson/Alamy Live
