Donaldson sex abuse trial to begin with jury selection
The trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson on sex abuse charges is set to begin with jury selection at Newry Crown Court. Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to 18 charges, including rape, while his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, faces related charges in a trial of the facts. The proceedings are expected to last four weeks, with strict warnings issued regarding social media commentary on the case.
- ▪Sir Jeffrey Donaldson faces 18 charges, including one count of rape.
- ▪Lady Eleanor Donaldson is charged with aiding and abetting, which she denies.
- ▪The trial is expected to last four weeks and follows two postponements due to Lady Donaldson's health.
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Donaldson sex abuse trial to begin with jury selectionJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleJulian O'NeillCrime and justice correspondent, BBC News NIPA MediaSir Jeffrey Donaldson leaving Newry Crown Court in February 2025The trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson on charges of alleged sex abuse begins on Tuesday, with the selection of a jury at Newry Crown Court.The 63-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all 18 charges he faces, including one count of rape.At the same time, his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, faces a trial of the facts on related charges of aiding and abetting, which she has denied.The trial is expected to last four weeks.The Donaldsons were arrested at their County Down home and charged on 28 March 2024.Sir Jeffrey, 63, resigned as DUP leader the next day…
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