Donaldson sex abuse trial to hear prosecution case on Wednesday

The trial of former Democratic Unionist Party 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. He is accused of rape, four counts of gross indecency and 13 counts of indecent assault.

His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, faces a trial of the facts on related charges of aiding and abetting, which she has denied. She was found unfit for a conventional trial under the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order.

The trial at Newry Crown Court began on Tuesday, with a jury sworn in. The judge told them he expected the trial to last three to four weeks.

The Donaldsons were arrested in their County Down home and charged on 28 March 2024. He resigned as DUP leader the next day and did not contest his Lagan Valley seat in the general election four months later.