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Donaldson trial hears pastor say it was 'obvious' who alleged abuser was

Donaldson trial hears pastor say it was 'obvious' who alleged abuser was

Summary

At the trial of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, a Christian pastor testified that one of the alleged victims told him she had been sexually abused but did not want to reveal the abuser’s identity to protect a political reputation. The pastor said it was clear to him that the accused was Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, who denies multiple sex abuse charges.

Key Facts

  • Sir Jeffrey Donaldson faces 18 sex abuse charges.
  • His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, faces five related charges but is not participating in the trial for mental health reasons.
  • Pastor Stephen Matthews said Complainant B told him about abuse when she was a teenager but did not want to name the abuser.
  • The pastor said it was obvious to him the abuser was Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, based on the victim’s description.
  • Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was previously an MP for the Ulster Unionist Party and leader of the DUP.
  • The alleged victim was emotionally disturbed when she spoke to the pastor in the 1990s.
  • The victim also told Claire Selfridge, who lived at the Christian Family Centre, about the abuse.
  • During questioning, it was confirmed the complainant did not explicitly say “sexual” abuse but described serious allegations.
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