Eleanor Donaldson appeals verdict regarding husband's sexual offences

Eleanor Donaldson has lodged an application for leave to appeal a jury verdict that she aided and abetted her husband, former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson, in his sexual offences against two children.

Jeffrey Donaldson was convicted in June at Newry Crown Court of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault, and four counts of gross indecency. These crimes were committed against two women between 1985 and 2008. He is currently remanded in custody and is expected to be sentenced in October.

Eleanor Donaldson faced a ‘trial of the facts’ alongside her husband’s criminal trial after being found unfit to participate in a conventional trial on mental health grounds. While a trial of the facts cannot result in a criminal conviction, the jury determined she had committed the acts related to aiding and abetting the crimes. Potential outcomes for her include a treatment order or an absolute discharge. Jeffrey Donaldson is also appealing his convictions.