The trial of former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex offences has commenced at Newry Crown Court. The 63-year-old faces charges including rape, gross indecency, and other sexual offences spanning 21 years. His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, 60, is charged with aiding and abetting rape and indecent assault, but has been ruled unfit to stand trial on mental health grounds and will instead face a trial of facts.
Donaldson, a former MP for Lagan Valley, was a dominant figure in unionism and helped broker the post-Brexit Windsor framework. He and his wife were arrested in March 2024, leading to his resignation as MP and DUP leader. The case caused significant disruption to the DUP and the Stormont executive.
The charges involve two alleged victims. The rape charge dates from between 1985 and 1991, while nine indecent assault charges span 1985 to 2006. He is also charged with gross indecency towards a child between 2005 and 2006. Both Donaldson and his wife deny all charges and have pleaded not guilty.
The trial is expected to last at least four weeks, with heavy security and media presence. Northern Ireland's Attorney General, Dame Brenda King, has warned against social media posts that could prejudice the trial, noting that contempt of court can result in up to two years' imprisonment.
The DUP replaced Donaldson with Gavin Robinson, who continued work on the Windsor framework. The party lost the subsequent by-election for Donaldson's Westminster seat to the Alliance Party's Sorcha Eastwood.
