Defence Closes Case
The defence in the trial of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has formally closed its case.
At Newry Crown Court, Kieran Vaughan KC, representing the former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader, informed the jury that no further evidence would be presented on behalf of Sir Jeffrey.
Sir Jeffrey, aged 63, who testified over two days last week, was the sole witness called in his defence.
He faces 18 charges of sexual abuse, including one count of rape, alleged to have occurred between 1985 and 2008, all of which he denies.
Proceedings and Legal Arguments
Monday's court session was predominantly occupied by legal arguments.
The jury, composed of seven men and five women, was advised that closing speeches by counsel will commence tomorrow, beginning with the prosecution.
Following this, lawyers representing Sir Jeffrey and Lady Eleanor Donaldson will present their closing arguments, which are expected to conclude by Wednesday.
Judge Paul Ramsey will then provide a summation of the case and instruct the jury on Thursday.
Details of Allegations
There are two alleged victims in the case, referred to as Complainant A and Complainant B.
Sir Jeffrey denies charges of gross indecency and indecent assault against Complainant A during her childhood, spanning from 1999 to 2008.
He also denies other alleged offences dating back to 1985, including a rape charge involving Complainant B.
Lady Eleanor Donaldson's Position
Lady Eleanor Donaldson, aged 60, faces five charges of aiding and abetting.
Her legal representative, Ian Turkington KC, offered no evidence in her defence.
She is undergoing a trial of the facts after being previously declared unfit to participate in a conventional trial due to mental health reasons, and as such, is not actively involved in the proceedings.
