Tomás Ó Flatharta

Irish News reporter Hannah Patterson sets the scene :

This is an unusual trial.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson appeared n Newry Crown Court on May 26 2026.

charged with rape, four counts of gross indecency and 13 counts of indecent assault.

All the alleged offences took place between 1985 and 2008 and there are two alleged victims. 

Mr Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to all charges. 

Lady Eleanor Donaldson cannot be sent to prison because she has been ruled “too ill to stand trial”

Prosecutors allege :

Eleanor Donaldson, abided and abetted (Sir Jeffrey Donaldson) in the crimes he is accused of. 

While she, too, maintains her innocence, Judge Paul Ramsey has ruled that Ms Donaldson is too ill to stand trial. 

Instead, the 60-year-old will face a trial of facts. 

A jury was selected and the trial starts on Tuesday May 27.

Many warnings have been issued by the six-county state authorities about commentary that might “impede” the course of justice.

When the evidence presented to the jury is disclosed in open court, it will be followed with great interest.

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Irish Times headlines :

‘Traumatic incidents’ to be recalled during Jeffrey Donaldson abuse trial, court hears

Former DUP leader denies 18 charges, including one of rape, as trial opens in Newry

Link :
Traumatic Incidents to be Recalled During Jeffrey Donaldson Abuse Trial, Court Hears (Irish Times Report)

Jurors in the trial of the former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson will hear about “difficult and traumatic incidents” the two alleged victims in the case allege occurred to them as children, Newry Crown Court has heard.

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