Sir Jeffrey Donaldson due in court in connection with historical sex offence charges

A court hearing will take place later to decide if there is enough evidence to send Sir Jeffrey Donaldson to trial.

The former DUP leader is accused of historical sex offences.

It is understood that in a letter to DUP party officers at the time of his resignation as party leader, he made clear he would be "strenuously contesting" all charges against him.

Originally, he had been facing 11 charges but that number has now been increased to 18.

The 61 year old has to show up in person for the hearing at Newry Magistrates.

His wife and co-accused Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 58, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, faces charges of aiding and abetting in connection with the alleged offences.

How to listen to Cool FM:

Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for music, Cool FM on 97.4FM, online, on our Rayo app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Cool FM’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists, from Pete Snodden in the morning to the NI Hit 40.   

• sir jeffrey donaldson