The number of historical sex offences being faced by former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has increased before his next court appearance.

Donaldson, 61, is expected to appear at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for a preliminary enquiry (PE) hearing to establish if there is sufficient evidence to send him for trial.

During previous court appearances, Donaldson had faced 11 holding charges brought by police.

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An evidence file has since been reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) and the former DUP leader will now face 18 charges.

He will face one charge of rape, four of gross indecency and 13 charges of indecent assault.

Donaldson has previously stated that he will be strenuously contesting the charges.

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