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The prosecution in the case against former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is expected to present the opening part of its argument on Wednesday. Sir Jeffrey, who is 63 years old, denies all 18 charges brought against him, which include a serious allegation of rape.
Alongside him, his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, is set to undergo a trial of the facts involving related accusations of aiding and abetting, charges she also denies. The legal proceedings for both began at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday with the selection and swearing-in of a jury. The presiding judge indicated that the trial is anticipated to continue for three to four weeks.
The couple was apprehended at their residence in County Down, with charges formally laid on 28 March 2024. The day following the arrests, Sir Jeffrey resigned from his position as DUP leader. Subsequently, he chose not to stand for re-election in his Lagan Valley constituency during the general election held four months later.
Sir Jeffrey faces multiple counts, including rape, four offenses classified as gross indecency, and thirteen counts of indecent assault, reportedly committed over a period spanning from 1985 to 2008 involving two alleged victims. Lady Eleanor Donaldson will not take part in a standard trial process due to being found unfit under the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order, resulting in her case being heard through a trial of the facts, a procedure in which the accused does not actively participate. She was notably absent from court on the first day of the trial
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