02/02/2026
Trial Date Confirmed for Sir Jeffrey and Lady Eleanor Donaldson
A trial date has been formally scheduled for former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, in relation to allegations of historical sexual offences.
During a review hearing at Newry Crown Court on the morning of Monday 02 February, it was confirmed that the trial is set to commence on Tuesday 26 May 2026. The proceedings are estimated to last for approximately four weeks. Neither defendant was required to be present in court for the brief hearing.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, faces a total of 18 charges, which include one count of rape alongside several counts of gross indecency and indecent assault. The offences are alleged to have occurred between 1985 and 2008 and involve two complainants. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 59, has pleaded not guilty to five charges. Prosecutors allege these charges relate to the aiding and abetting of her husband in connection with the reported offences.
The establishment of a firm trial date follows a period of significant delay. The case was initially intended to begin in March 2025 but was subject to several adjournments. The most recent delay was attributed to the outstanding completion of a medical report regarding Lady Eleanor Donaldson’s fitness to stand trial.
During a review hearing at Newry Crown Court on the morning of Monday 02 February, it was confirmed that the trial is set to commence on Tuesday 26 May 2026. The proceedings are estimated to last for approximately four weeks. Neither defendant was required to be present in court for the brief hearing.
Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 59, has pleaded not guilty to five charges. Prosecutors allege these charges relate to the aiding and abetting of her husband in connection with the reported offences.
The establishment of a firm trial date follows a period of significant delay. The case was initially intended to begin in March 2025 but was subject to several adjournments. The most recent delay was attributed to the outstanding completion of a medical report regarding Lady Eleanor Donaldson’s fitness to stand trial.
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20 October 2025
Trial Of Jeffrey And Eleanor Donaldson To Be Delayed Until 2026
The sex abuse trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Eleanor Donaldson is to be delayed after Judge Paul Ramsey received updates in relation to Mrs Donaldson's health. During a brief hearing at Newry Crown Court, Judge Ramsey vacated the trial date of 03 November.
Trial Of Jeffrey And Eleanor Donaldson To Be Delayed Until 2026
The sex abuse trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Eleanor Donaldson is to be delayed after Judge Paul Ramsey received updates in relation to Mrs Donaldson's health. During a brief hearing at Newry Crown Court, Judge Ramsey vacated the trial date of 03 November.
24 April 2024
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson And Wife Appear In Court
Former DUP Leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, have appeared before Newry Magistrates Court charged with a number of historical sex offences. Donaldson, 61, is facing a total of 11 charges, including one charge of rape, one of gross indecency involving a child and nine charges of indecent assault.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson And Wife Appear In Court
Former DUP Leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, have appeared before Newry Magistrates Court charged with a number of historical sex offences. Donaldson, 61, is facing a total of 11 charges, including one charge of rape, one of gross indecency involving a child and nine charges of indecent assault.
22 May 2024
New Court Date Set For Jeffrey Donaldson Sex Offences Case
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, have been ordered to appear again in court on 03 July for the start of a Preliminary Enquiry.
New Court Date Set For Jeffrey Donaldson Sex Offences Case
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, have been ordered to appear again in court on 03 July for the start of a Preliminary Enquiry.
03 July 2024
Jeffrey Donaldson To Face Trial Over Historical Sex Offence Allegations
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson is set to stand trial for 18 historical sex offences, including one charge of rape. Donaldson and his wife Eleanor appeared at Newry Magistrates' Court today, 03 July. The charges against Donaldson include 13 counts of indecent assault on a female child and four counts of gross indecency toward a child.
Jeffrey Donaldson To Face Trial Over Historical Sex Offence Allegations
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson is set to stand trial for 18 historical sex offences, including one charge of rape. Donaldson and his wife Eleanor appeared at Newry Magistrates' Court today, 03 July. The charges against Donaldson include 13 counts of indecent assault on a female child and four counts of gross indecency toward a child.
15 September 2022
DUP Backs Campaign For Elizabeth The Faithful Title
The DUP have backed a campaign to bestow the late Queen with the name Elizabeth The Faithful. According to reports, Queen Elizabeth had been referred to as Elizabeth the Great since her passing, but after Security Minister Tom Tugendhat called her Elizabeth The Faithful, a campaign has grown to support this becoming her official, posthumous title.
DUP Backs Campaign For Elizabeth The Faithful Title
The DUP have backed a campaign to bestow the late Queen with the name Elizabeth The Faithful. According to reports, Queen Elizabeth had been referred to as Elizabeth the Great since her passing, but after Security Minister Tom Tugendhat called her Elizabeth The Faithful, a campaign has grown to support this becoming her official, posthumous title.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.