Jeffrey Donaldson faced allegations in court that his wife had secretly monitored his car suspecting an affair with a constituent. The 63-year-old is currently standing trial at Newry Crown Court on charges of rape, gross indecency, and indecent assault dating back to the years between 1985 and 2008 involving two victims.

Denying all 18 alleged offenses, the former MP and ex-DUP leader pleaded not guilty. His wife, Lady Donaldson, also denied charges of aiding and abetting, and due to mental health reasons, she is facing a trial of the facts to assess the evidence without the possibility of a criminal conviction.

During the trial, a woman known as complainant A, who claimed she was sexually abused by Donaldson as a child, defended her allegations when questioned by Donaldson’s lawyer. She highlighted a letter in which Donaldson expressed regret for causing pain but denied any connection to the accusations against him.

The woman also recounted instances of alleged abuse, including inappropriate touching, and described her decision-making process in coming forward with the accusations. The trial, expected to last several weeks, will continue next week with the woman expected to be questioned by Eleanor Donaldson’s representative.

Donaldson, a former MP for Lagan Valley, was arrested and charged in March 2024, leading to his resignation as DUP leader and suspension from the party following the emergence of the allegations.