Overview

• Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, has been charged with rape, gross indecency, and multiple counts of indecent assault.
• The charges against Donaldson and his wife, Eleanor, relate to alleged offenses against two victims over a period extending from 1985 to 2006.
• Eleanor Donaldson is accused of aiding and abetting the rape and indecent assault allegedly committed by her husband.
• The couple appeared in court, confirming their names and understanding of the charges, with their next court date set for May 22.
• Jeffrey Donaldson has resigned as DUP leader and has been suspended from the party, vowing to contest the charges vigorously.