The jury in the trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex offences has been sworn in at Newry Crown Court. The trial, one of the most high-profile in recent Northern Irish history, is expected to last about four weeks.
Donaldson, 63, faces 18 charges including rape, gross indecency, and indecent assault spanning 21 years. His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, 60, is charged with aiding and abetting rape and indecent assault. She was judged unfit to stand trial and will face a trial of facts, which cannot result in a criminal conviction. Both deny the charges.
The judge, Paul Ramsey, told potential jurors that Donaldson, a well-known public figure, is entitled to a fair trial. The prosecution will begin its opening address on Wednesday. Donaldson was arrested in March 2024 and resigned as MP and DUP leader.
The trial will proceed simultaneously with the trial of facts for Eleanor Donaldson. Northern Ireland's attorney general has warned against social media posts that could affect the trial.
