Donaldson jury sworn in for alleged sex offences trial

Ex-DUP chief in dock on historical charges

- BY JONATHAN McCAMBRIDGE

A JURY has been sworn in to hear the trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson who is accused of a series of alleged historical sexual offences.

The prosecution will deliver the opening address at Newry Crown Court today.

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.

Police had erected metal barriers at the court entrance prior to Donaldson's arrival to cordon off the waiting media.