Trial of Northern Ireland's Donaldson for alleged sex offences begins
The trial of former Northern Ireland politician Jeffrey Donaldson for historical sex offences has commenced. Donaldson faces 18 charges, including one count of rape and multiple counts of indecent assault, which he denies. The trial is expected to continue through June, while his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, faces separate charges but is deemed unfit to stand trial due to mental health issues.
- ▪Jeffrey Donaldson is charged with one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault, and four counts of gross indecency.
- ▪The charges involve two complainants and relate to events that allegedly occurred between 1985 and 2008.
- ▪Donaldson stepped down as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party after his arrest in March 2024.
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Trial of Northern Ireland's Donaldson for alleged sex offences beginsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxJeffrey Donaldson, former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), charged with historical sex offences, arrives at Newry Courthouse as he appears for trial in Newry, Northern Ireland, May 27, 2026. REUTERS/Cathal McNaughtonPublished May 28, 2026, 12:44 AMUpdated May 28, 2026, 12:44 AMNEWRY, Northern Ireland, May 27 - The prosecution began its case against former Northern Ireland politician Jeffrey Donaldson on historical sex offence charges on Wednesday by outlining the 18 charges he faces and his response to police interviews over the alleged events.Former Democratic Unionist Party leader Donaldson, 63, denies the charges of one count of rape, 13 counts of…
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