20/05/2026
Donaldson Trial Confirmed to Proceed Next Week
The trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, is "on track" to start next week.
According to reports from a hearing at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday, 18 May, Judge Paul Ramsey stated he was hopeful that the process of swearing in a jury could begin on 26 May.
The legal proceedings had previously been delayed on several occasions due to medical issues concerning Mrs Donaldson.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences involving two complainants, which are said to have occurred between 1985 and 2008. The charges include one count of rape, alongside allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency.
Mrs Donaldson, 60, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, denies five charges of aiding and abetting in connection with the allegations against her husband. According to reports, neither defendant was present during Tuesday's brief court hearing.
It is understood that during the proceedings, the court heard that a medical report concerning Mrs Donaldson would require further legal argument. However, both prosecuting and defence counsel indicated they expected to be in a position to proceed with the trial next week.
Sir Jeffrey was arrested and charged in March 2024. Following the allegations becoming public, he subsequently resigned as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party and was suspended from the party. The case is scheduled to be heard at Newry Crown Court.
According to reports from a hearing at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday, 18 May, Judge Paul Ramsey stated he was hopeful that the process of swearing in a jury could begin on 26 May.
The legal proceedings had previously been delayed on several occasions due to medical issues concerning Mrs Donaldson.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences involving two complainants, which are said to have occurred between 1985 and 2008. The charges include one count of rape, alongside allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency.
It is understood that during the proceedings, the court heard that a medical report concerning Mrs Donaldson would require further legal argument. However, both prosecuting and defence counsel indicated they expected to be in a position to proceed with the trial next week.
Sir Jeffrey was arrested and charged in March 2024. Following the allegations becoming public, he subsequently resigned as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party and was suspended from the party. The case is scheduled to be heard at Newry Crown Court.
Latest Northern Ireland News
20 May 2026
Donaldson Trial Confirmed to Proceed Next Week
The trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, is "on track" to start next week. According to reports from a hearing at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday, 18 May, Judge Paul Ramsey stated he was hopeful that the process of swearing in a jury could begin on 26 May.
Donaldson Trial Confirmed to Proceed Next Week
The trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, is "on track" to start next week. According to reports from a hearing at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday, 18 May, Judge Paul Ramsey stated he was hopeful that the process of swearing in a jury could begin on 26 May.
20 May 2026
King and Queen Visit Belfast for Fleadh Cheoil Preview
The King and Queen visited Belfast on Tuesday, 18 May for a preview of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture, which will be hosted in the city for the first time from 2-9 August.
King and Queen Visit Belfast for Fleadh Cheoil Preview
The King and Queen visited Belfast on Tuesday, 18 May for a preview of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture, which will be hosted in the city for the first time from 2-9 August.
20 May 2026
Co Antrim Email Threat Ruled 'Not Credible'
Police are continuing to investigate the contents of an email sent to multiple schools and businesses in the County Antrim area today, Tuesday 19th May.
Co Antrim Email Threat Ruled 'Not Credible'
Police are continuing to investigate the contents of an email sent to multiple schools and businesses in the County Antrim area today, Tuesday 19th May.
20 May 2026
Major Resurfacing Scheme Set For Bessbrook In June
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a £695,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme on the B133 Maytown Road, Bessbrook, starting on Monday 1 June 2026. The project will cover 2.2 kilometres from McShane's Road to the junction with the C214 Kingsmill Road and will be delivered in two phases.
Major Resurfacing Scheme Set For Bessbrook In June
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a £695,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme on the B133 Maytown Road, Bessbrook, starting on Monday 1 June 2026. The project will cover 2.2 kilometres from McShane's Road to the junction with the C214 Kingsmill Road and will be delivered in two phases.
20 May 2026
DAERA Minister Outlines Vision For A 'Nature Positive Society'
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir used the Northern Ireland Environment Forum, organised by Agenda NI, to set out his plans for a nature positive society he described as "fair, resilient and prosperous," delivered through a just transition.
DAERA Minister Outlines Vision For A 'Nature Positive Society'
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir used the Northern Ireland Environment Forum, organised by Agenda NI, to set out his plans for a nature positive society he described as "fair, resilient and prosperous," delivered through a just transition.
20 May 2026
Alliance MLA Warns Housing Market is 'Fundamentally Broken'
Rapidly increasing property prices are locking numerous young people and families in Northern Ireland out of home ownership, Alliance Communities Spokesperson Sian Mulholland MLA has warned.
Alliance MLA Warns Housing Market is 'Fundamentally Broken'
Rapidly increasing property prices are locking numerous young people and families in Northern Ireland out of home ownership, Alliance Communities Spokesperson Sian Mulholland MLA has warned.
20 May 2026
Belfast City Council Announces Fleadh Information Sessions
Belfast City Council is inviting city centre businesses, suppliers, and services to attend upcoming information sessions regarding Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which takes place from 2 to 9 August 2026.
Belfast City Council Announces Fleadh Information Sessions
Belfast City Council is inviting city centre businesses, suppliers, and services to attend upcoming information sessions regarding Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which takes place from 2 to 9 August 2026.
20 May 2026
Two Wanted Men Extradited in Separate PSNI Operations
A 54-year-old man has been extradited from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland to face 17 counts of child cruelty and one count of blackmail. The suspect had been arrested in the Republic of Ireland on Sunday, 7 August 2022, on foot of an extradition warrant obtained by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Two Wanted Men Extradited in Separate PSNI Operations
A 54-year-old man has been extradited from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland to face 17 counts of child cruelty and one count of blackmail. The suspect had been arrested in the Republic of Ireland on Sunday, 7 August 2022, on foot of an extradition warrant obtained by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
20 May 2026
Police Name Victim of Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash in Omagh
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed the identity of the man who died following a two-vehicle collision in Omagh on Sunday, 17th May. He was 38-year-old Adrian Slevin from the Dromore area. The fatal incident occurred in the Clanabogan Road area. Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.
Police Name Victim of Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash in Omagh
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed the identity of the man who died following a two-vehicle collision in Omagh on Sunday, 17th May. He was 38-year-old Adrian Slevin from the Dromore area. The fatal incident occurred in the Clanabogan Road area. Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.
20 May 2026
Canal Boxing Academy Opens New Facility at Queen Elizabeth II Playing Fields
The new Canal Boxing Academy facility was officially opened on 18th May by the Mayor, Alderman Amanda Grehan. Having outgrown its previous location in terms of size, facilities, and function, the new building provides a fit-for-purpose space equipped with modern machinery, a gym, and kitchen facilities.
Canal Boxing Academy Opens New Facility at Queen Elizabeth II Playing Fields
The new Canal Boxing Academy facility was officially opened on 18th May by the Mayor, Alderman Amanda Grehan. Having outgrown its previous location in terms of size, facilities, and function, the new building provides a fit-for-purpose space equipped with modern machinery, a gym, and kitchen facilities.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Bright spells and the chance of a few showers this morning, these mainly at first. This afternoon will be dry with some bright or sunny intervals. Maximum temperature 17 °C.Tonight:This evening will be dry. Then thickening cloud will bring rain across all parts for a time overnight. Rain turning light and patchy later on. Minimum temperature 10 °C.