The trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson for a series of alleged historical sexual offences is set to commence today. Proceedings at Newry Crown Court will begin with the selection of a jury.
Charges and Denials
Donaldson, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences. The charges include one count of rape, as well as allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency, spanning from 1985 to 2008 and involving two alleged victims.
Wife's Involvement
Donaldson's wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband's alleged offending. The 60-year-old is facing a trial of the facts, not a criminal trial, after Judge Paul Ramsey ruled her unfit to stand trial on mental health grounds. This trial will test the evidence but cannot result in a criminal conviction.
Simultaneous Proceedings
The trial of the facts will be heard by the same jury, with proceedings against both Donaldsons running simultaneously as part of one overall trial process presided over by Judge Ramsey.
Background
Jeffrey Donaldson, a former long-standing MP for Lagan Valley, was arrested and charged at the end of March 2024. He resigned as DUP leader and was suspended from the party after the allegations emerged. Weeks before his arrest, he had led the DUP back into devolved government at Stormont after a two-year boycott of the powersharing institutions.
