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.
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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.
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Sir Jeffrey Donaldson Found Guilty Of All Charges
Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of 18 historical sexual offences, including rape, following a trial at Newry Crown Court.
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Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of 18 historical sexual offences, including rape, following a trial at Newry Crown Court.
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Eleanor Donaldson Ruled Unfit to Stand Trial
Eleanor Donaldson has been ruled unfit to stand trial alongside her husband, former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, in a historic sexual offences case. According to reports, the ruling was delivered by Judge Paul Ramsey at Newry Crown Court following a review of medical evidence.
Eleanor Donaldson Ruled Unfit to Stand Trial
Eleanor Donaldson has been ruled unfit to stand trial alongside her husband, former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, in a historic sexual offences case. According to reports, the ruling was delivered by Judge Paul Ramsey at Newry Crown Court following a review of medical evidence.
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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.
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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.
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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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