Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to 18 historical sex offences. The charges include one count of rape as well as allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency. The charges span a time period between 1985 and 2008 and involve two alleged victims. His wife and co-accused Eleanor Donaldson (58), also pleaded not guilty to three charges at an arraignment hearing at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday.

Donaldson's Not Guilty Plea

During the brief court appearance, Donaldson, 61, stood up and said “not guilty” as each charge was read to him. He is accused of one charge of rape, four of gross indecency and 13 of indecent assault.

Eleanor Donaldson's Charges

Eleanor Donaldson faces charges of aiding and abetting in connection with the alleged offences. She pleaded not guilty to the three charges that were put to her. Her defence team has applied to have two other charges against her withdrawn.

Trial Date Set

A trial date was agreed for March 24th next year. The court was told the trial is expected to last two weeks.

Donaldson's Political Career

The long-standing MP for Lagan Valley was arrested and charged in relation to the historical sexual allegations at the end of March. Mr Donaldson resigned as DUP leader and was suspended from the party after the allegations against him emerged. Weeks prior to his arrest, he had led the DUP back into Stormont following a two-year boycott of the powersharing institutions. Previous deputy leader Gavin Robinson has been appointed his successor as DUP leader.

Donaldson's Appearance in Court

The small courtroom in Newry Courthouse was packed for the hearing on Tuesday. Mr Donaldson and his wife sat separated by court custody officers at the back of the room. Mr Donaldson (61), wearing a blue suit, stood up and confirmed his name, address and date of birth. As each charge was read to him, he leant towards a microphone and said loudly and clearly “not guilty”.

Significant Police Presence

There was a significant police presence when Mr Donaldson arrived at Newry courthouse. The couple were released on continuing bail at the end of the 10-minute hearing.

Donaldson's Political Legacy

One of Northern Ireland’s most high-profile political figures, Mr Donaldson was elected to lead the DUP in 2021 and played an instrumental role in the talks that led to Stormont’s restoration earlier this year following a two-year hiatus. The North’s longest serving MP, he was first elected to the Lagan Valley seat in 1997 when he was a member of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). He defected to the DUP in 2004 after he clashed with the former UUP leader David Trimble over his support for the Belfast Agreement. Mr Donaldson presided over the DUP’s opposition to the post-Brexit trading arrangements that led to Stormont’s collapse in 2022. He did not stand for re-election in the Westminster election in July.

A Trial Date Set for March 2025

The couple appeared in court at Newry in County Down. The 61-year-old former MP and his wife, 58, were arrested at their home in March this year. Judge Paul Ramsey was told both sides had agreed on a date for trial of March 24th. The judge said he would review the case on October 25th, but excused the two accused from attending on that date.

A Long Road Ahead

The trial is expected to last two weeks. It will be a long and difficult process for all involved. The outcome of the trial will have a significant impact on the political landscape of Northern Ireland.