Trial of Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex offences to begin in Newry
Summary
The trial of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), for alleged sex offences will begin in Newry crown court. He faces charges including rape and indecent assault, while his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, is charged with helping him but is considered unfit to stand trial.Key Facts
- Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, is charged with rape, gross indecency, and other sexual offences spanning 21 years.
- His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, 60, is charged with aiding and abetting rape and indecent assault but will only face a trial of facts due to mental health issues.
- The trial is expected to last at least four weeks and will take place in Newry crown court with heavy security and media coverage.
- Donaldson resigned as an MP and DUP leader after his arrest in March 2024 and was suspended from the party.
- The charges involve two alleged victims and include offences dating from 1985 to 2006, including an alleged act of gross indecency towards a child.
- The trial of facts is a hearing that tests evidence but does not lead to a criminal conviction and will run alongside Donaldson’s trial.
- Northern Ireland’s attorney general warned people not to post information on social media that could affect the trial or violate victims’ anonymity.
- The DUP lost Donaldson’s former seat in a byelection and has appointed Gavin Robinson as the new party leader.
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