Geoffrey Donaldson: Police received complaint in early March that led to former DUP leader charged with sex offenses

Police in Northern Ireland said they had received a complaint that led to the arrest of former Democratic Unionist Party leader Sir Geoffrey Donaldson in early March on suspicion of historic sex crimes.

Donaldson resigns Friday’s charges. It is understood he will “vigorously refute” all allegations against him.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) issued a statement ending “unhelpful speculation” about the case. Police said they “immediately began investigating the matter” after receiving the complaint.

Donaldson was arrested and charged on Thursday, March 28. A 57-year-old woman was also charged with aiding and abetting on the same complaint.

“We again remind the public and media that speculation is unhelpful and in this case inaccurate and may ultimately have a negative impact on the criminal justice process,” police said on Sunday.

donaldson led Democratic Unionist Party Lagan Valley MP since 2021 and Lagan Valley MP since 1997.

The 61-year-old is due to appear in court in Newry, County Down, on April 24.

He has been suspended from the party but is understood to remain an MP.

On Saturday, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: Northern Ireland’s power-sharing deal not under threat in political influence.

Sinn Féin deputy leader O’Neill told Sky News she had been in contact with the leaders of the other three parties in the Belfast Ministerial Executive Council to ensure “cohesion”.

this Agreement to restore power sharing The situation earlier this year hinged on Donaldson’s support.

read more:
Who is Sir Geoffrey Donaldson?
What is power sharing and why is this system used?

On Sunday, Ms O’Neill said “now more than ever we need to see cohesion”.

“My priority as First Minister is to provide stability, working with all other party leaders and all those who make up our administration,” she said in Dublin.

“It’s really important now that we work hard.”

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