Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson penned a letter to a woman who accused him of sexually abusing her as a child saying he had “regret” for “all the hurt, pain and distress I have caused,” a court heard.

The prosecution has begun opening its case against Sir Jeffrey Donaldson - the former Democratic Unionist Party leader - who is accused of 18 sex abuse offences

Former DUP leader denies 18 charges, including one of rape, as trial opens in Newry