Jeffrey Donaldson sex abuse trial begins with jury selection in Newry

The trial of former Democratic Unionist Party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has begun at Newry Crown Court with the selection of a jury. He denies 18 charges, including one count of rape, in a case involving alleged historical sex abuse. His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, is also before the court in related proceedings.

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The 63-year-old was arrested at his County Down home and charged on 28 March 2024. He resigned as party leader the following day and later did not contest his Lagan Valley seat at the general election four months afterwards. The charges against him include rape, four counts of gross indecency and 13 counts of indecent assault.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 1985 and 2008. Lady Donaldson, who is 60, faces a trial of the facts on related allegations of aiding and abetting. A judge ruled last week that she is unfit for a conventional trial under Northern Ireland mental health law, meaning she will not take part in proceedings in the usual way.

The trial had already been postponed twice last year because of her health. The court has also warned about the risk of contempt if people publish material that could prejudice the case. The case is significant because it involves a former party leader and allegations stretching over more than two decades.

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It also comes at a time when the court has stressed the need to protect the anonymity of complainants. The Northern Ireland Attorney General has warned that social media posts could lead to contempt proceedings, with penalties of up to two years in prison, if they prejudice the trial. Police have separately urged people not to publish speculation or anything that could directly or indirectly identify complainants.

The proceedings also highlight the different legal paths now facing the two defendants. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is contesting the charges in a conventional jury trial, while Lady Donaldson will face a trial of the facts because of the court's finding on her fitness to stand trial. The allegations are historical, but the case has remained active since the couple were charged in March 2024.

The court has not yet resolved the evidence, and the outcome will depend on the hearing now under way. What remains unclear at this stage is how long the trial will last and when the jury will hear the evidence. It is also not yet clear what findings, if any, will be made in Lady Donaldson's separate proceedings.

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