22/06/2026
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.
The 63-year-old was convicted today, Monday 22 June, of one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency involving two female victims who were children at the time of the offences.
The offences were found to have taken place between 1985 and 2008.
The verdicts were returned by a jury following a four-week trial at Newry Crown Court.
Lady Eleanor Donaldson, Sir Jeffrey's wife, was "found to have done the acts" in a separate 'trial of the facts'.
Donaldson has been remanded in custody.
According to reports, the judge at Newry Crown Court said that "Donaldson will face a lengthy prison sentence".
The 63-year-old was convicted today, Monday 22 June, of one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency involving two female victims who were children at the time of the offences.
The verdicts were returned by a jury following a four-week trial at Newry Crown Court.
Lady Eleanor Donaldson, Sir Jeffrey's wife, was "found to have done the acts" in a separate 'trial of the facts'.
Donaldson has been remanded in custody.
According to reports, the judge at Newry Crown Court said that "Donaldson will face a lengthy prison sentence".
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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.
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.
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.
21 May 2026
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.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry and bright start to the evening but thicker cloud and outbreaks of rain will spread eastwards. A cloudy night with outbreaks of rain continuing. Minimum temperature 11 °C.