Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has arrived at court ahead of the first evidence being heard in his trial over alleged historical sexual offences.
It is expected that the first witness in the case, Complainant A, will be called to give evidence on Thursday at Newry Crown Court.
The former MP is accused of rape and several counts of gross indecency and of indecent assault.
Donaldson, 63, has pleaded not guilty to the 18 alleged offences.
The charges span a time period between 1985 and 2008 involving two alleged victims.
Donaldson’s wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending.
She is facing a trial of the facts.
On Wednesday, prosecuting barrister Rosemary Walsh KC delivered her opening statement and said two women claim the former MP subjected them to “difficult and traumatic incidents” when they were children.
A police interview with Complainant A is expected to be played to the jury on Thursday before she is cross-examined.
