Prosecution to Present Case Against Sir Jeffrey Donaldson
The trial of former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex abuse is scheduled to hear the start of the prosecution's case later on Wednesday.
The 63-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all 18 charges he faces, including one count of rape.
Related Charges Against Lady Eleanor Donaldson
His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, faces a trial of the facts on related charges of aiding and abetting, which she has denied.
Trial Proceedings and Jury
The trial at Newry Crown Court began on Tuesday, with a jury sworn in. The judge informed the jury that he expected the trial to last three to four weeks.
Arrest and Political Consequences
The Donaldsons were arrested in their County Down home and charged on 28 March 2024.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson resigned as DUP leader the following day and did not contest his Lagan Valley seat in the general election held four months later.
Details of the Charges
He is accused of rape, four counts of gross indecency, and 13 counts of indecent assault.
The offences allegedly occurred between 1985 and 2008.
Trial of the Facts for Lady Donaldson
Lady Donaldson will face a trial of the facts after being found unfit for a conventional trial under the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order.
Under a trial of the facts, she will not participate in proceedings. She was not present in court for the trial's opening day on Tuesday.
