Former Northern Ireland Leader Jeffrey Donaldson Denies Rape Charges

Jeffrey Donaldson, ex-leader of Northern Ireland's largest unionist party, pleaded not guilty to rape and other sexual charges dating back almost four decades. He resigned from leadership after his arrest. His wife, Eleanor, also denied aiding and abetting the alleged crimes. Trial date set for March 2025.

Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of Northern Ireland's largest unionist party, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including rape and other sexual offenses dating back nearly forty years.

Donaldson, 61, faced charges of one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency, and 13 indecent assault charges involving two alleged victims between 1985 and 2008. His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, 58, also pleaded not guilty to aiding and abetting the alleged crimes.

A trial date has been set for March 2025. Following his arrest on March 28, Donaldson resigned as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and as a lawmaker in the U.K. Parliament, causing a significant stir within the party.

Donaldson led the DUP from 2021 to 2023 and was a key figure in Northern Ireland's unionist movement, advocating for the region's continued association with the United Kingdom. His resignation came just months after the DUP agreed to return to Northern Ireland's power-sharing government.

(With inputs from agencies.)