Trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson on sex abuse charges to begin next week
The trial of former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson on sex abuse charges is scheduled to begin next week. A pre-trial hearing at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday heard that a medical report on Lady Donaldson has been completed, with a further hearing on Wednesday to clear the way for jury selection on 26 May. Sir Jeffrey faces 18 charges including one count of rape, while Lady Donaldson faces five charges of aiding and abetting; both deny all allegations.
The trial of former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson on sex abuse charges is scheduled to begin next week, following a pre-trial hearing at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday.
Judge Paul Ramsey presided over the hearing, during which he was told that a medical report on Lady Donaldson has been completed. The judge said he will hear evidence on the report on Wednesday, adding that it would "clear the way" for the trial to proceed with jury selection on 26 May.
Both prosecution and defence lawyers told the judge they are ready for the case to commence. Neither defendant was required to attend Tuesday's hearing.
Sir Jeffrey, 63, is accused of 18 offences allegedly committed between 1985 and 2008, including one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency, and 13 counts of indecent assault. Lady Donaldson, 59, faces five charges relating to aiding and abetting his alleged offending. The couple deny all charges against them.
The couple were arrested at their County Down home more than two years ago.