Lady Donaldson Did Nothing After Child Abuse Allegation Against Sir Jeffrey, Court Hears

A woman accusing Sir Jeffrey Donaldson of child sexual abuse told Newry Crown Court his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, was informed of an alleged incident and "did nothing about it."

The claim by Complainant A emerged during cross-examination by Ian Turkington KC, representing Lady Donaldson.

Sir Jeffrey, former Democratic Unionist Party leader, denies 18 sex abuse charges, including one count of rape. Lady Donaldson denies five charges related to aiding and abetting. She is undergoing a trial of the facts, having been deemed unfit for a conventional trial due to mental health grounds.

Complainant A testified she informed Lady Donaldson of an alleged encounter where Sir Jeffrey acted strangely. She stated, "I knew by the look on her face she knew I was telling the truth… Once she identified I was telling the truth, she did nothing about it." Lady Donaldson's barrister countered that his client did raise the matter with Sir Jeffrey.

Further, Complainant A claimed she also told Lady Donaldson about a separate alleged incident where Sir Jeffrey kissed her, stating he "put his tongue in my mouth." She alleged both defendants dismissed this as "just a joke."

During cross-examination, Turkington questioned Complainant A about inconsistencies in her police interviews regarding counselling and the "foggy" nature of her memories concerning the dates of the alleged abuse. Complainant A asserted she had been transparent and tried to recall events to the best of her ability, acknowledging memory issues are common with abuse victims.

Sir Jeffrey denies acts of gross indecency and indecent assault against Complainant A between 1999 and 2008. Other alleged offences, dating back to 1985, including a rape charge, relate to a second woman, Complainant B. Complainant A concluded her evidence, with Complainant B scheduled to testify via video recording of her police interview.