The former leader of Northern Ireland’s biggest unionist party has made his first court appearance on sexual abuse charges dating back nearly four decades
The former leader of Northern Ireland’s biggest unionist party made his first court appearance Wednesday on sexual abuse charges dating back nearly four decades. Jeffrey Donaldson, 61, faces one charge of rape and 10 other counts dating from 1985 to 2006. His wife, Eleanor Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, 58, faces four counts of aiding and abetting the alleged crimes. The two did not enter pleas during a brief appearance together in Newry Magistrates Court.
In a letter to party leaders, Donaldson said he would be “strenuously contesting” the charges. The Police Service of Northern Ireland said the arrest followed a complaint about “non-recent offenses” that was made in early March. The charges involve two alleged victims. Donaldson faces a count of rape, a single charge of gross indecency and nine sexual assault charges.
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Ex-leader of Northern Ireland's biggest unionist party faces sex offense charges dating to 1985The former leader of Northern Ireland’s biggest unionist party has made his first court appearance on sexual abuse charges dating back nearly four decades. Jeffrey Donaldson, 61, faces one charge of rape and 10 other counts dating from 1985 to 2006. His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, 58, faces four counts of aiding and abetting the alleged crimes.
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