Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, is on trial at Newry Crown Court for alleged historical sexual offences dating from 1985 to 2008. He has pleaded not guilty to 18 charges, including rape, gross indecency, and indecent assault, involving two alleged victims. His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, is charged with aiding and abetting. She will not attend court because a judge ruled she is medically unfit to stand trial, leading to a trial of the facts. The trial of the facts tests the evidence but cannot result in a criminal conviction. Proceedings against both Donaldsons run simultaneously before Judge Paul Ramsey, with the trial expected to last three to four weeks.
"Donaldson (63) has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged historical sex offence charges dating from 1985 to 2008. He is accused of rape and several counts of gross indecency and of indecent assault. The charges span a time period between 1985 and 2008 involving two alleged victims."
"His wife Eleanor Donaldson, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore in Co Down, is charged with aiding and abetting. She will not be in court and is facing a trial of the facts, after the trial judge Paul Ramsey ruled she was medically unfit to stand trial. The trial of the facts will test the evidence in the case but cannot result in a criminal conviction."
"It is being heard by the same jury, with proceedings against both Donaldsons running simultaneously as part of one overall trial process presided over by Judge Ramsey. Yesterday the prosecution opened their case by explaining to the jury what they could expect during the trial. The trial is expected to last between three and four weeks."
"The former MP arrived at Newry Crown Court earlier as his trial over alleged historical sexual offences continues. Donaldson (63) has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged historical sex offence charges dating from 1985 to 2008. He resigned as DUP leader and was suspended from the party after the allegations emerged."
Read at Irish Independent
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