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.
Latest Northern Ireland News
02 February 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.
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.
02 February 2026
Police Ombudsman Extends Retention Of Legacy Investigation Records
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has announced a significant update to its Retention and Disposal Schedule, extending the period for which it holds information on its most serious investigations.
Police Ombudsman Extends Retention Of Legacy Investigation Records
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has announced a significant update to its Retention and Disposal Schedule, extending the period for which it holds information on its most serious investigations.
02 February 2026
Belfast City Council Launches 2026 'Bank of Ideas' Funding Scheme
Belfast City Council has announced the return of the 'Bank of Ideas' initiative for 2026, offering residents a direct role in how £50,000 of local funding is allocated. Now entering its third year, the scheme encourages individuals, community groups, and schools to submit proposals for creative projects that benefit their local neighbourhoods.
Belfast City Council Launches 2026 'Bank of Ideas' Funding Scheme
Belfast City Council has announced the return of the 'Bank of Ideas' initiative for 2026, offering residents a direct role in how £50,000 of local funding is allocated. Now entering its third year, the scheme encourages individuals, community groups, and schools to submit proposals for creative projects that benefit their local neighbourhoods.
02 February 2026
Arrest Made Following Armed Robbery Attempt in West Belfast
A 35-year-old man has been taken into police custody following an attempted armed robbery at a fast food outlet in west Belfast during the early hours of Monday, 2nd February. The incident occurred at approximately midnight when two masked individuals entered a business on the Falls Road.
Arrest Made Following Armed Robbery Attempt in West Belfast
A 35-year-old man has been taken into police custody following an attempted armed robbery at a fast food outlet in west Belfast during the early hours of Monday, 2nd February. The incident occurred at approximately midnight when two masked individuals entered a business on the Falls Road.
02 February 2026
Final Call For PSNI Recruitment Applications
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has issued a final reminder to potential candidates as the deadline for its latest recruitment drive looms.
Final Call For PSNI Recruitment Applications
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has issued a final reminder to potential candidates as the deadline for its latest recruitment drive looms.
02 February 2026
Man Charged After Teenager Attacked With A Crowbar
Police have charged a man in connection with a violent assault on a teenage boy in Ahoghill on the night of Saturday, 31st January. The incident occurred at approximately 8.50pm in a car park within The Diamond area. It is reported that a masked man attacked the teenager using a blunt object, which investigators believe was a crowbar.
Man Charged After Teenager Attacked With A Crowbar
Police have charged a man in connection with a violent assault on a teenage boy in Ahoghill on the night of Saturday, 31st January. The incident occurred at approximately 8.50pm in a car park within The Diamond area. It is reported that a masked man attacked the teenager using a blunt object, which investigators believe was a crowbar.
02 February 2026
Elderly Woman Dies Following Collision In Carryduff
The PSNI has confirmed the death of a woman in her eighties following a road traffic collision in Carryduff on Saturday, 31st January. The incident, which involved a car and a pedestrian, occurred in the Saintfield Road area. Emergency services were alerted to the scene during the early evening.
Elderly Woman Dies Following Collision In Carryduff
The PSNI has confirmed the death of a woman in her eighties following a road traffic collision in Carryduff on Saturday, 31st January. The incident, which involved a car and a pedestrian, occurred in the Saintfield Road area. Emergency services were alerted to the scene during the early evening.
02 February 2026
SDLP Opposition Welcomes Pause In Business Rates Revaluation
The SDLP Leader of the Opposition, Matthew O'Toole MLA, has expressed his support for the Finance Minister's decision to halt the controversial Reval 2026 process. The move comes following a significant outcry from the hospitality and retail sectors over proposed spikes in business rates.
SDLP Opposition Welcomes Pause In Business Rates Revaluation
The SDLP Leader of the Opposition, Matthew O'Toole MLA, has expressed his support for the Finance Minister's decision to halt the controversial Reval 2026 process. The move comes following a significant outcry from the hospitality and retail sectors over proposed spikes in business rates.
02 February 2026
Govt Accused Of Misleading Veterans Over Legacy Bill
Ulster Unionist Justice Spokesperson Doug Beattie MC MLA has intensified his criticism of the Labour Government, accusing it of being dishonest regarding the impact of the Northern Ireland Legacy Commission Bill on military veterans.
Govt Accused Of Misleading Veterans Over Legacy Bill
Ulster Unionist Justice Spokesperson Doug Beattie MC MLA has intensified his criticism of the Labour Government, accusing it of being dishonest regarding the impact of the Northern Ireland Legacy Commission Bill on military veterans.
02 February 2026
Over Two Million Translink Passengers Now Using Contactless Payments
Translink has reached a significant digital milestone, announcing that more than two million passengers on Metro and Ulsterbus services have now established contactless payment accounts. The "tap & go" system, which allows travellers to pay using a bank card, smartphone, or smartwatch, has become a staple of public transport in Northern Ireland.
Over Two Million Translink Passengers Now Using Contactless Payments
Translink has reached a significant digital milestone, announcing that more than two million passengers on Metro and Ulsterbus services have now established contactless payment accounts. The "tap & go" system, which allows travellers to pay using a bank card, smartphone, or smartwatch, has become a staple of public transport in Northern Ireland.
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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.