Prosecution to open case against ex-DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson in sex abuse trial
The prosecution is set to begin its case against former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, who faces multiple charges including rape. Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to all 18 charges, which span incidents alleged to have occurred between 1985 and 2008. His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, is also involved in related charges and will undergo a trial of the facts due to her mental health status.
- ▪Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is facing 18 charges, including one count of rape.
- ▪The trial is expected to last three to four weeks and began with a jury sworn in on Tuesday.
- ▪Lady Eleanor Donaldson faces a trial of the facts on related charges, which she has denied.
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Prosecution to open case against ex-DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson in sex abuse trial5 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleJulian O'NeillCrime and justice correspondent, BBC News NIPA MediaThe 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.
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