Prosecution to open case against ex-DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson in sex abuse trial

The trial of former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex abuse is due 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.

His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, faces a trial of the facts on related charges of aiding and abetting, which she has denied.

The trial at Newry Crown Court began on Tuesday, with a jury sworn in. The judge told them he expected the trial to last three to four weeks.

The Donaldsons were arrested in their County Down home and charged on 28 March 2024.

He resigned as DUP leader the next day and did not contest his Lagan Valley seat in the general election four months later.

He is accused of rape, four counts of gross indecency and 13 counts of indecent assault.

The offences allegedly occurred between 1985 and 2008.

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 in court for the trial’s opening day on Tuesday.