Ex-DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson pleads not guilty to 18 historical sex offences against 2 complainants as trial date set, this will be, one Big News Trial, to Begin next March 2025. Eleanor faces Three Charges.

FORMER DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson is to face trial on 18 historical sex offences after pleading not guilty in court today.

The veteran MP, who was suspended from the party when the allegations emerged, denied each count one by one as they were read out.

The couple were released on continuing bailThe charges against the 61-year-old are the result of two complainants coming forward.

They are one count of rape, four of gross indecency and 13 of indecent assault, all alleged to have been committed between 1985 and 2008.

His wife Eleanor Donaldson, 58, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, also pleaded not guilty to three charges relating to aiding and abetting at the Newry Crown Court arraignment hearing.

A trial date has been set for March 24 next year, one year on from when the couple were arrested at their home.Their 10 minute appearance in the Crown Court follows a Magistrates Court ruling that there was enough evidence to send them for trial.

Former Lagan Valley MP Donaldson, in a blue suit and sporting a beard, was flanked by custody officers at the back of the room, with his wife sitting nearby.

He stood to confirm his name and, as each charge was put to him, he leaned into the microphone and said loudly and clearly “not guilty”.

Eleanor Donaldson faces charges of aiding and abetting in connection with the alleged offences.