FORMER DUP LEADER JEFFREY DONALDSON FACES MULTIPLE CHARGES OF RAPE AND INDECENCY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Jeffrey Donaldson, a former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party in Northern Ireland, has appeared in court charged with multiple serious sexual offences spanning over 21 years. The charges include one count of rape, one count of gross indecency towards a child, and nine counts of indecent assault on a female, with allegations dating from 1985 to 2006. The case relates to two complainants and has caused a major scandal in Northern Ireland. During the court appearance, Donaldson, aged 61, did not speak and appeared impassive in the dock. He is accused of unlawful sexual intercourse with a victim without her consent between 1985 and 1991, and of committing acts of gross indecency towards a child between 2005 and 2006. His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, aged 58, faces charges of aiding and abetting rape and indecent assault, as well as two counts of cruelty, with allegations from 1985 to 2004. Both defendants denied the charges. The couple was released on bail with conditions, and their case will proceed with a hearing scheduled for 22 May. The investigation was prompted by a complaint received in early March, leading to Donaldson’s arrest and a political fallout due to his prominent role in Northern Irish politics. Despite stepping down from his leadership position in the DUP, Donaldson remains an MP. The case is expected to continue into the next year amid court backlog issues.