Former Democratic Unionist Party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson appeared in court facing 18 charges of sexual abuse, including one count of rape, all of which he denies.

During court proceedings, evidence was presented regarding a letter that Donaldson had written to one of his accusers. The defense argued that this correspondence had "nothing to do with allegations" of sexual abuse.

Donaldson previously served as leader of the DUP, Northern Ireland's largest unionist political party, before stepping down from the position. The charges against him represent a significant development in Northern Ireland politics.

The court case is ongoing, with Donaldson maintaining his innocence on all charges. The trial is expected to continue as prosecutors and defense attorneys present their respective cases to the court.

The charges span multiple alleged incidents, with the rape charge representing the most serious allegation among the 18 counts Donaldson faces. No further details about the specific nature of the other charges were immediately available from court proceedings.