Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson been charged with rape, gross indecency and other sexual offences spanning 21 years in following a court hearing in Newry, Co. Down today.

The 61-year-old  faces 11 charge, including one count of rape, one count of gross indecency towards a child and nine counts of indecent assault on a female between 1985 to 2006.

The rape charge alleges Donaldson had unlawful sexual intercourse with an alleged victim without her consent sometime between 1985 and 1991.

His spouse, Eleanor Donaldson, appeared alongside him at Newry magistrates court and was charged with aiding and abetting the offences and two counts of cruelty.

Both deny the allegations.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said a complaint in March prompted an investigation ultimately leading to Donaldson’s arrest. He subsequently stepped down from the DUP leadership but remains an MP.

"The Party Chairman has received a letter from Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP confirming that he has been charged with allegations of an historical nature and indicating that he is stepping down as Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party with immediate effect," read a DUP statement, released last month.

"In accordance with the Party Rules, the Party Officers have suspended Mr Donaldson from membership, pending the outcome of a judicial process.

"The Party Officers have this morning unanimously appointed Mr Gavin Robinson MP as the Interim Party Leader."

The hearing marks a first step in what’s expected to be a lengthy process that will continue into next year. The case will return to the magistrates court on 22 May to fix a timetable. The defendants will not be obliged to attend that hearing.