Prosecution to open case against ex-DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson in sex abuse trial
Summary
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), is standing trial for multiple sex abuse charges, including rape. The trial began at Newry Crown Court with the prosecution starting its case, while his wife faces related charges in a separate legal procedure.Key Facts
- Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is 63 years old and has denied all 18 charges against him.
- The charges include 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 victims.
- Donaldson resigned as DUP leader shortly after being charged in March 2024 and did not run for his parliamentary seat in the general election.
- His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, faces charges of aiding and abetting but will undergo a trial of the facts because she is considered unfit for a standard trial due to mental health reasons.
- The trial is expected to last three to four weeks, and a jury has been sworn in.
- Lady Donaldson was absent from the court on the first day of the trial.
- Both were arrested at their home in County Down in March 2024.
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