Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson due in court today

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson is due in court on Wednesday morning to face charges of non recent sexual offences against two people.

Donaldson, 61, is expected at Newry Magistrates' Court after he was charged on March 28 with a series of historical sexual offences against two people.

A female aged 57 was also charged at the time, and they were transported together to the Antrim custody suite for interview by the PSNI's Public Protection Branch. Both are facing allegations of serious non recent sexual offences.

READ MORE - Jeffrey Donaldson steps down as DUP leader after historical sex offence allegations - live updates

Donaldson, of Dromore, Co Down, is facing one charge of rape and has been accused of nine other sexual offences, including gross indecency and indecent assault. His co-accused is facing three charges of aiding and abetting additional charges.

Both were interviewed separately at intervals throughout the day in Antrim and were 28-day charged before being released shortly after 10pm on March 28.

Donaldson's bail conditions meant he had to leave Northern Ireland and reside at his flat in London. The woman was bailed to her home address in Co Down.

Bail conditions include no contact between the co-accused who must reside at separate addresses.

A PSNI spokesman said: "Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland arrested and charged a 61-year-old man for non-recent sexual offences. A 57-year-old woman was also arrested and charged at the time for aiding and abetting additional offences. Both are due to appear before Newry Magistrates' Court on April 24."

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