Former Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson is to be interviewed by the Metropolitan Police over an allegation that he raped a woman in the Houses of Parliament in 2016.
The Met said it received a report on Tuesday 13 October from the Police Service of Northern Ireland relating to an allegation of rape in 2016 by a man now aged 63. The force stated: "The allegation relates to one victim who is being supported by specialist officers. The investigation is in its early stages. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing."
Woman's claims passed to Met Police
It is understood the woman has been interviewed by officers in Northern Ireland and her claims have been passed to the Met Police. In July, the Belfast Telegraph first reported that the woman alleged she had been sexually assaulted by Donaldson in the DUP offices in Parliament in 2016.
She claimed that he attempted to get her to drink vodka shots in his office, before trying to kiss her and put his hand up her skirt. It has now emerged that the same woman has also alleged the once senior DUP figure raped her.
Previous conviction and appeal
Last week, Donaldson was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a series of child sex offences against two victims, including one count of rape, which took place between 1985 and 2008. He is seeking to appeal the convictions.
