Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson's sexual offences trial begins in Newry

The trial of former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson opened at Newry Crown Court in Northern Ireland. He faces 18 historical sexual‑offence charges—including one count of rape, thirteen counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency—allegedly committed between 1985 and 2008 involving two victims. Donaldson, 63, has pleaded not guilty. Jury selection was the first step and the proceedings are expected to run for three to four weeks.

Donaldson’s wife, Eleanor Donaldson, 60, is charged with five counts of aiding and abetting and will be tried in a "trial of the facts" after a judge ruled she is unfit to stand trial on mental‑health grounds. She will not take part in the hearing, but the same jury will consider the evidence against her.

The case triggered a political shock in Northern Ireland. Donaldson resigned as DUP leader and as MP for Lagan Valley after his arrest in March 2024, was suspended from the party, and his Westminster seat was lost in a subsequent by‑election. The DUP has appointed Gavin Robinson as his successor and faces renewed scrutiny ahead of the next Stormont assembly elections.