Northern Ireland President Donaldson pleads not guilty to past sex offences

NEWRY, Northern Ireland (Reuters) – Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in Northern Ireland, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to 18 charges related to past sex offences, including one count of rape.

His trial will begin on March 24, Newry Crown Court heard.

Donaldson, one of Northern Ireland's best-known politicians, suddenly resigned from his position as leader of the British region's largest unionist party in March after the DUP said allegations of a historical nature had been made against him.

The charges include 13 counts of indecent sexual assault of a female child and four counts of gross indecency with a child. The charges relate to two plaintiffs and the incidents are said to have taken place between 1985 and 2008.

Donaldson's wife, Eleanor, pleaded not guilty to three charges, including aiding and abetting rape, during Tuesday's hearing.

(Reporting by Amanda Ferguson; Writing by Conor Humphries; Editing by Alex Richardson)