NORTHERN IRELAND: Former Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson must stand trial on charges of rape and sexual offences, a judge ruled today.

Mr Donaldson faces one charge of rape, four counts of gross indecency and 13 indecent assault charges dating from between 1985 and 2008. The charges involve two alleged victims.

His wife Eleanor Donaldson is charged with aiding and abetting the alleged crimes.

RUSSIA: An arrested French citizen has pleaded guilty to criminal charges involving illegally collecting information on military issues in the country, state news agency Tass reported today.

Laurent Vinatier was detained in the Russian capital in June as tensions flared between Moscow and Paris following French President Emmanuel Macron’s comments about the possibility of French troops being deployed in Ukraine.

SIERRA LEONE: A Bill banning child marriage has been signed into law, President Julius Maada Bio said on Tuesday night.

The law criminalises marrying any girl aged under 18. 

Offenders face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of around £3,114 or both. Witnesses to such marriages will also face jail or a fine.

NETHERLANDS: Prime Minister Dick Schoof gave his first speech to parliament today, pledging to work hard at one of his new government’s main aims: reducing immigration.

Mr Schoof, a former head of Dutch intelligence who is not a member of any of the four parties in his coalition, said: “The biggest of those concerns is asylum and migration. That is the crux of the matter, no matter how you look at it.”