Achi news desk-
They were both released on continuing bail when they made their first appearance at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
The 61-year-old politician was arrested and charged in relation to the historic sex allegations at the end of March.
He did not speak as he arrived in court accompanied by his lawyer, John McBurney, on Wednesday.
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Police officers tried to keep the road clear during the huge media scrum for his arrival.
The public gallery in the small Cwrt Tri at Llys Newry was packed for the hearing.
There were so many media present that special arrangements were made to facilitate journalists who could not be accommodated in the courtroom.
Donaldson, wearing a gray suit, and his wife, wearing a black suit, were sitting in the dock at the back of the court, with the court custody officer between them.
The hearing began with District Judge Eamonn King noting the public interest in the case and warning that it would be an offense for anyone to record the case.
The two defendants were then asked to confirm their names and dates of birth.
They stood as the charges were read to them.
Jeffrey Donaldson is facing 11 charges – one of rape, one of committing an act of gross indecency and nine of indecent assault on dates between 1985 and 2006.
The offenses relate to two alleged victims.
When asked if he understood the charges, he nodded and said “I do”.
His wife, 58, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, faces charges of aiding and abetting in connection with the alleged offences.
She also confirmed to the judge that she understood the charges.
Neither defendant was asked to enter a formal plea.
A PSNI detective sergeant told the court he could link the pair to the charges.
Defense lawyers said some variations to bail had been agreed, including the termination of a condition that the two defendants cannot contact each other.
A lawyer from the Public Prosecution Service asked for a four-week delay in order to proceed with the work of setting a date for a preliminary investigation.
The judge listed the case to be mentioned again on May 22. However, he said that the two defendants would not have to be present on that date.
Both were released on continuing bail of £350 following the short hearing.
There were chaotic scenes as they left Newry Court.
Some members of the public shouted abuse and tried to push him as he left the building.
Police surrounded Jeffrey Donaldson who briefly went back into the courthouse before leaving a second time and leaving in a car.
He resigned as leader of the DUP and was banned from the party after the allegations against him came to light.
He had recently led the DUP back into Stormont following a two-year boycott of the power-sharing institutions.
East Belfast MP and deputy leader Gavin Robinson has been appointed as interim leader of the party.
Donaldson has so far remained MP for Cwm Lagan, a seat he has held since 1997.
