Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges

He did not speak as he arrived at the court accompanied by his solicitor on Wednesday.

Today at 10:18

Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has arrived at Newry Magistrates’ Court to face historical sex charges.

He was wearing a grey suit and surrounded by photographers as he walked in around 9.30am.

The 61-year-old politician was arrested and charged in relation to historical sexual allegations at the end of March.

Today it emerged the sex charges facing the ex-DUP leader span a period of more than 20 years.

Donaldson is facing 11 charges: one count of rape, one count of gross indecency towards a child and nine counts of indecent assault on a female. The allegations relate to two complainants.

Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at Newry Magistrates Court this morning.His wife, Lady Eleanor Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, faces four charges which span a 10-year period.

East Belfast MP and deputy leader Gavin Robinson was appointed interim party leader.

Sir Jeffrey has so far remained as MP for Lagan Valley.