Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), appeared in court on Wednesday charged with 11 historical sex offences. The charges include one of rape, another of gross indecency with a child and nine of indecent assault. His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, is also charged with aiding and abetting these offences.

Donaldson appeared in Newry Magistrates Court alongside his wife. Both only spoke to confirm their names and dates of birth and that they understood the nature of the charges against them. A future court date will now be set for both to enter a formal plea to the charges. Both individuals have been released on strict bail conditions; however, the court lifted the ban on communication between one another. In a letter to DUP party officers, Donaldson confirmed his intention to “strenuously contest” the charges.

Throughout his career, Donaldson has held several high-profile positions within British politics. He has been a member of Parliament since 1997 and has led his party in the House of Commons since 2019. In 2021, he was elected as the leader of the DUP and, most recently, he oversaw the recent power-sharing deal which allowed for the restoration of the Northern Irish government. Donaldson confirmed his resignation from his leadership position upon his arrest.

Both Donaldson and his wife were arrested on March 28 this year. Interim DUP leader Gavin Robinson said in a statement following the arrest of Donaldson that the incident had caused an “incredibly difficult and shocking time…for the community right throughout Northern Ireland.”

Given the seniority of Donaldson within the DUP and the nature of the charges, there has been significant discussion on social media of the case. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has repeatedly cautioned the public about online commentary of the case in order to preserve the anonymity of the victims and to avoid prejudicing any future trial.