Lady Eleanor Donaldson, the wife of former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, has been ruled unfit to stand trial in a historical sexual offences case involving her husband as a defendant. The ruling was delivered by Judge Paul Ramsey at Newry Crown Court on Wednesday, following the consideration of medical evidence.
Court Ruling and Next Steps
Judge Ramsey stated: “I am satisfied that upon the totality of the evidence presented I will determine that Eleanor Donaldson is unfit to be tried.” As a result, she will now undergo a trial of the facts—a legal process that examines the evidence but cannot lead to a criminal conviction. The judge also heard arguments on whether this trial should occur concurrently with Sir Jeffrey Donaldson’s trial or separately, with a decision expected on Thursday.
Neither Sir Jeffrey nor Lady Donaldson attended the hearing, as their presence was not required.
Background of the Case
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, a former long-serving MP for Lagan Valley, faces 18 charges, including one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency, spanning from 1985 to 2008 and involving two alleged victims. He has pleaded not guilty. His trial was initially scheduled to begin on 26 May.
Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 60, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, has denied charges of aiding and abetting. Proceedings had already been delayed twice due to her medical issues. The judge’s decision was based on evidence from multiple psychiatric experts.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was arrested and charged in late March 2024. He resigned as DUP leader and was suspended from the party following the allegations. Prior to his arrest, he had successfully led the DUP back into devolved government at Stormont after a two-year boycott of the powersharing institutions.
