(File Picture: Sir Jeffrey Donaldson. Photo: Collins)
Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Eleanor have arrived at Newry Magistrate’s Court for a preliminary enquiry to decide whether they should be sent forward for trial on sexual offence charges.
PSNI officers had gathered outside the court in the early hours in preparation for anticipated high levels of interest from the press and public.
At 9am, journalists filed through the single, narrow doorway that allows access to the court building. Photographers, most armed with stepladders, assembled between makeshift barriers either side of the doorway where the Donaldsons would also make their entrance.
They arrived separately, Mr Donaldson first at 9.30am having grown a beard since his last court appearance. Mrs Donaldson arrived about 15 minutes later.
They are scheduled to be called before Judge Eamonn King at 10.30am to be formally identified. The judge will then consider statements and depositions by the prosecution before determining whether there is a prima facie case against them. If the judge agrees that there is sufficient evidence to go to trial, both accused will be asked if they have anything to say in answer to the charges against them.
Mr Donaldson (61) and his wife Eleanor Donaldson (58), both with an address in Dromore, Co Down face a total of 23 charges.
The former Lagan Valley MP is charged with one count of rape, four of gross indecency with or towards a child and 13 of indecent assault on dates between 1985 and 2006.
Mrs Donaldson faces five charges for aiding and abetting rape and aiding and abetting indecent assault and two counts of cruelty to a person aged under 16 years on dates between 1985 and 2004.