Trial of Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex offences to begin in Newry
The trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex offences is set to begin in Newry. He faces multiple charges, including rape and gross indecency, spanning over two decades. His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, is also charged with aiding and abetting and will undergo a trial of facts due to mental health issues.
- ▪Jeffrey Donaldson is charged with 18 offences involving two alleged victims.
- ▪The trial is expected to last at least four weeks and will have a heavy security and media presence.
- ▪Both Donaldson and his wife have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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Jeffrey Donaldson outside Newry magistrates court in Northern Ireland in April 2024. Photograph: Clodagh Kilcoyne/ReutersView image in fullscreenJeffrey Donaldson outside Newry magistrates court in Northern Ireland in April 2024. Photograph: Clodagh Kilcoyne/ReutersUK newsTrial of Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex offences to begin in NewryFormer DUP leader faces charges spanning 21 years in case that triggered political earthquake in Northern IrelandRory Carroll Ireland correspondentTue 26 May 2026 00.00 EDTLast modified on Tue 26 May 2026 00.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe trial of former Democratic Unionist party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex offences is set to begin in a case that triggered a political earthquake in Northern Ireland.Donaldson, 63, is…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — UK.