Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson's trial begins in Newry

The trial of former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson on historical sexual offence charges began on Tuesday at Newry Crown Court. The proceedings commenced with the selection of a jury for a trial expected to last approximately four weeks. Donaldson, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 charges, including one count of assault, four counts of gross indecency, and 13 counts of indecent assault. The alleged offences involve two victims and span a period from 1985 to 2008.

His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 60, is also facing related charges of aiding and abetting, which she denies. Last week, Judge Paul Ramsey ruled she was unfit to stand a conventional criminal trial on mental health grounds. She will instead undergo a "trial of the facts," a legal process that will test the evidence against her but cannot result in a criminal conviction. The two legal proceedings will run simultaneously before the same jury.

The couple were arrested at their County Down home on March 28, 2024. Donaldson resigned as DUP leader and was suspended from the party the following day. His arrest sent shockwaves through Northern Irish politics, occurring just weeks after he had led...