Courts / Armagh / Report
Jeffrey Donaldson to face trial on raft of child sexual offence charges
Summary
At a preliminary hearing in Newry Magistrate's Court on 3 July 2024, former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson (61) and his wife Eleanor (58) were remanded on bail to face a series of child sexual offence charges. The judge, Eamonn King, found a prima facie case and asked the couple whether they wished to give a written or oral statement; Mr Donaldson declined, and Mrs Donaldson answered "No." Both were ordered to return on 10 September for their Crown Court trial. Mr Donaldson is charged with one count of rape (1987‑1991), 13 counts of indecent assault on a female child (1987‑1991) and four counts of gross indecency towards a child (2005‑2008). Mrs Donaldson faces charges of aiding and abetting rape (1987‑1991), three counts of aiding and abetting indecent assault on a female child and one count of child cruelty (2004‑2008). They were required to sign bail conditions before leaving the court's cell area.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jeffrey Donaldson to face trial on raft of child sexual offence charges. Charges or matters: 13 counts of indecent assault on a female child between 1987 and 1991 and four charges of gross indecency towards a child on dates between 2005 and 2008; aiding and abetting rape between 1987 and 1991, three counts of aiding and abetting indecent assaults on a female child and one count of child cruelty between 2004 and 2008. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- September 10 Adjournment
- January 1, 1987 Incident
- January 1, 1991 Incident
- 1987 and 1991 Incident
- 2005 and 2008 Incident
- 2004 and 2008 Incident
- 2024-07-03 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: 13 counts of indecent assault on a female child between 1987 and 1991 and four charges of gross indecency towards a child on dates between 2005 and 2008; aiding and abetting rape between 1987 and 1991, three counts of aiding and abetting indecent assaults on a female child and one count of child cruelty between 2004 and 2008 (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Mr Donaldson replied: "Not at this stage" while his wife simply replied: "No." Judge King remanded both on the same bail conditions and told the Donaldsons to return to court on September 10, when their Crown Court trial will be arranged.
Places mentioned
Topics
Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime
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