Jeffrey Donaldson begins giving evidence in sex offences trial

By Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has begun giving evidence at his trial over historical sexual offences.

Defence barrister Kieran Vaughan called the ex-MP as a witness in the trial at Newry Crown Court shortly after 10.30am.

Wearing a blue suit and red tie, he was sworn in after entering the witness box.

Donaldson, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences.

The charges include one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency, and span a time period between 1985 and 2008 involving two alleged victims.

Complainant A and B have both given evidence at the trial.

Both women allege they were abused as children.

Eleanor Donaldson, 60, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending.

She is facing a trial of the facts on mental health grounds.