The historical sexual offences trial of former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is progressing as planned and is scheduled to commence on May 26, according to a judge presiding over the case.
Judge Paul Ramsey informed Newry Crown Court that he anticipates the process of empanelling a jury will begin on that date. The proceedings involving Donaldson and his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, have faced two delays due to medical issues related to her health.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, aged 63, has entered a plea of not guilty to 18 alleged offences. The charges against him include one count of rape, as well as allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency. These accusations span a period from 1985 to 2008 and involve two alleged victims.
Eleanor Donaldson, 60, residing on Dublinhill Road in Dromore, faces charges of aiding and abetting, which she also denies. Neither of the Donaldsons attended Tuesday's hearing at Newry courthouse.
During the brief hearing, the judge noted that the court had received a report concerning Eleanor Donaldson that would necessitate some legal argument. He stated: “We are on track to commence the case next Tuesday.”
Prosecuting barrister Rosemary Walsh KC confirmed that the timeline is acceptable from the prosecution's perspective. Defence barristers also expressed their hope to be ready to proceed with the case next week. The judge indicated he aims to start the jury swearing-in process on Tuesday.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, a former long-serving Member of Parliament for Lagan Valley, was arrested and charged at the end of March 2024. Following the emergence of the allegations, he resigned as DUP leader and was suspended from the party. Just weeks before his arrest, he had led the DUP back into the Stormont Assembly after a two-year boycott of the powersharing institutions.
