Donaldson letter to sex abuse accuser had 'nothing to do with allegations', court hears
Summary
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the leader of the DUP, is on trial for sexual abuse charges, including rape, which he denies. A letter he wrote to one of the accusers expressed regret for causing hurt but, according to his lawyer, was not related to the abuse allegations.Key Facts
- Sir Jeffrey Donaldson faces 18 sex abuse charges, including one count of rape.
- The allegations involve two complainants who claim abuse occurred during their childhood.
- Donaldson wrote a letter in June 2020 expressing regret for causing pain but his lawyer says it was unrelated to sexual abuse.
- One accuser believes the letter was a disguised apology for the abuse.
- The lawyer argued that there was "friendly banter" between Donaldson and one accuser, which contradicts the abuse claims.
- The accuser detailed incidents including inappropriate touching and being kissed.
- Lady Eleanor Donaldson, Sir Jeffrey's wife, faces charges of aiding and abetting but has been found unfit for a normal trial due to mental health reasons.
- The trial is ongoing in Newry Crown Court in Northern Ireland.
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