Ex-DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and wife Eleanor due to appear in court next month

During a short hearing at Newry Magistrates Court today, prosecution barrister Fiona O’Kane confirmed that the case would be ready to proceed to the preliminary enquiry stage on July 3, as previously planned.

Before any criminal case can be elevated to the Crown court, the prosecution must establish there is a prima facie case against an accused person and that is done through a preliminary enquiry.

Defence lawyers for Donaldson and his wife Eleanor spoke only to confirm that they had received the prosecution file yesterday, June 11, and would also be ready to proceed on that date.

Eleanor Donaldson will also have to appear in person next month.

The outgoing Lagan Valley MP has been charged with rape and 10 other historical sex offences, which he strenuously denies.

Eleanor Donaldson is a co-accused in the case and faces four charges connected to aiding and abetting his alleged offences, which she also denies.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between 1985 and 2006 and involve two alleged victims.

The pair were arrested at their home on March 28 and charged by police after a day of questioning.

Neither of them have responded publicly to the charges.

The last time the pair appeared in court was in April when there was a huge media presence.

On that occasion, the pair spoke only to confirm their names and dates of birth and that they understood the charges against them.

 Watch: Sir Jeffrey Donaldson leaving court