Medical Report on Eleanor Donaldson 'Imminent', Court Told in Donaldson Case Review
A medical report concerning Lady Eleanor Donaldson is described as "imminent" by defence counsel, as revealed during a review hearing at Newry Crown Court. The development comes as the high-profile trial of former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, on charges relating to alleged historical sexual offences, experiences further procedural delays.
Judge Expresses Disappointment Over Report Delay
At the hearing on Friday, Judge Paul Ramsey conveyed that he was "a bit disappointed" the anticipated medical report on Eleanor Donaldson had not yet been submitted to the court. The trial has been postponed on two previous occasions specifically due to her medical issues, underscoring the significance of this document for the legal timetable.
Defence barrister Ian Turkington informed the court that the report's arrival is imminent, stating: "It's only with the report we will be meaningfully able to timetable the next steps." In response, Judge Ramsey adjourned the case for one week, with Mr Turkington expressing hope that the medical assessment would be available by the following Friday.
Details of the Charges and Court Proceedings
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, aged 63, has pleaded not guilty to a total of 18 alleged offences. The charges are serious and extensive, including:
- One count of rape
- Multiple allegations of indecent assault
- Charges of gross indecency
The alleged offences span a considerable period from 1985 to 2008 and involve two separate complainants. Neither Sir Jeffrey nor his wife attended this brief review hearing.
Eleanor Donaldson, 59, of Dublinhill Road in Dromore, is facing charges of aiding and abetting in relation to these historical allegations, which she also denies.
Political Context and Fallout
The case carries significant political weight. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the long-serving MP for Lagan Valley, was arrested and formally charged at the end of March 2024. The emergence of these allegations prompted his immediate resignation as leader of the DUP and his suspension from the party.
This development occurred just weeks after he had successfully negotiated the DUP's return to the powersharing institutions at Stormont, ending a two-year political boycott. The juxtaposition of this political achievement with the subsequent personal legal crisis has marked a dramatic turn in Northern Irish politics.
The court awaits the imminent medical report to determine the future scheduling of this closely watched case, which sits at the intersection of legal process, personal health, and political history.
