Jeffrey Donaldson will appear in court today on charges of historic sexual offences.

The Lagan Valley MP quit as leader of the DUP last month after he was officially charged by Northern Ireland police.

Mr Donaldson has denied the charges – but will not be asked to enter a formal plea when he appears in Newry Magistrates’ Court today.

“It’s been reported that Mr Donaldson is facing up to 11 sexual offence charges - including one of rape - and a 57-year-old woman is also expected to appear in court today, charged with aiding and abetting additional offences,” journalist Amanda Ferguson told Newstalk Breakfast.

“It’s been reported that all charges that both are facing will be strenuously contested.”

Once Mr Donaldson arrives in court, the charges will be read to him and it is possible an application to vary his bail conditions will be made.

Most likely, a date will also be set for a future review of the case.

“With cases like this, once they’ve been through the various cases of the Magistrates’ Court, it’ll move to the Crown Court,” Ms Ferguson said.

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