Jeffrey Donaldson has had his bail conditions relaxed following a court appearance today (Wednesday) in relation to historic sexual allegations.
He is charged with gross indecency with or towards a child, rape and nine counts of indecent assault on a female.
Also appearing in the dock of Newry Magistrates Court this morning was his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, who is charged with two counts of cruelty to a person under sixteen, aiding and abetting rape and aiding and abetting indecent assault on a female.
The charges against Donaldson involve two different complainants, who cannot be named unless they agree to waiver their right to lifetime anonymity.
The charges span a timeframe of over 20 years from 1985 to 2006. The charges against Eleanor, meanwhile, span from 1985 to 2004.
Both have said they will be “strenuously contesting” the charges.
Both defendants appeared in court this morning, speaking only to confirm their names and dates-of-birth.
They both confirmed that they understood the charges against them.
A police officer spoke to confirm they could connect the accused to the charges.
The prosecutor said that bail conditions could be varied, removing the condition that Mr Donaldson could have no contact with his wife.
The condition remains that both should have no contact with witnesses.
The Judge released the defendants on their own bail of £350, with the case to appear again on May 22 for mention.
