Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Wife Plead Not Guilty to Historical Sex Offence Charges

The former DUP leader and his spouse face multiple charges, including rape and gross indecency, with a trial set for March next year.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, pleaded not guilty to multiple historical sex offence charges at Newry Crown Court.
The charges against Sir Jeffrey include one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency, and 13 counts of indecent assault, alleged to have occurred between 1985 and 2008.
Lady Eleanor Donaldson faces five charges, including aiding and abetting rape, aiding and abetting indecent assault, and one count of child neglect.
The court has scheduled the trial to begin in March next year, expected to last two weeks.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson resigned as leader of the DUP following his arrest and subsequent charges.