Two women have accused Sir Jeffrey Donaldson of sexual abuse, alleging that he subjected them to distressing incidents during their childhood, as revealed in his ongoing trial at Newry Crown Court in Northern Ireland. The 63-year-old former MP faces charges of rape, gross indecency, and indecent assault, spanning from 1985 to 2008, involving two complainants.
Donaldson’s wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, residing in Dromore, Co Down, is charged with aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offenses and is undergoing a trial of the facts. During the court proceedings, Jeffrey Donaldson, donning a blue suit, stood in the dock as the charges were presented to the jury of twelve individuals.
Barrister Rosemary Walsh KC initiated the prosecution’s case by outlining the evidence, mentioning that witnesses and police interviews conducted in 2024 with the Donaldsons would be presented. The prosecution highlighted that two complainants came forward to report “difficult and traumatic incidents” from their childhood.
One complainant, referred to as Complainant B, detailed incidents where Donaldson allegedly sexually assaulted her, including putting his hands down her underwear and touching her breasts. The prosecution emphasized that Complainant B also mentioned other instances of inappropriate behavior by Donaldson.
Complainant B recounted a meeting with Donaldson at a Christian center where he apologized for past actions. Another complainant, designated as Complainant A, alleged that Donaldson touched her inappropriately on multiple occasions during her childhood.
The trial revealed that the Donaldsons were arrested in March 2024 and underwent police interviews. In his interview, Jeffrey Donaldson refuted the accusations made by the complainants. Eleanor Donaldson, deemed unfit for a criminal trial due to mental health reasons, faces a trial of the facts.
The trial of the facts, overseen by Judge Paul Ramsey, aims to evaluate the evidence without leading to a criminal conviction. The proceedings against both defendants will run concurrently in a single trial process. The trial is projected to last three to four weeks.
Jeffrey Donaldson, a former prominent MP for Lagan Valley, faced charges in 2024, leading to his resignation as DUP leader and suspension from the party. His arrest followed his involvement in returning the DUP to power-sharing arrangements at Stormont after a two-year absence.