Prosecution to open case against ex-DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson in sex abuse trial

The trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex abuse is set to begin the prosecution’s case later Wednesday at Newry Crown Court. The 63-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all 18 charges, including one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency, and 13 counts of indecent assault. The alleged offences occurred between 1985 and 2008 and involve two alleged victims. The jury was sworn in on Tuesday, and the judge expects the trial to last three to four weeks. Sir Jeffrey was arrested at his County Down home on 28 March 2024, resigned as DUP leader the next day, and did not contest his seat in the general election. His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, faces a trial of the facts on related aiding and abetting charges, which she denies, and she will not participate in proceedings after being found unfit for a conventional trial.

"The trial at Newry Crown Court began on Tuesday, with a jury sworn in. The judge told them he expected the trial to last three to four weeks. The Donaldsons were arrested in their County Down home and charged on 28 March 2024. He resigned as DUP leader the next day and did not contest his Lagan Valley seat in the general election four months later."

"The 63-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all 18 charges he faces, including one count of rape. He is accused of rape, four counts of gross indecency and 13 counts of indecent assault. The offences allegedly occurred between 1985 and 2008. There are two alleged victims."

"Lady Eleanor Donaldson faces a trial of the facts on related charges of aiding and abetting, which she has denied. Under a trial of the facts, she will not participate in proceedings. She was not in court for the trial's opening day on Tuesday. Lady Donaldson will face a trial of the facts after being found unfit for a conventional trial under the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order."

"The trial of former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex abuse is due to hear the start of the prosecution's case later on Wednesday. The trial at Newry Crown Court began on Tuesday, with a jury sworn in. The judge told them he expected the trial to last three to four weeks."

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