Newry Crown Court Jury Begins Deliberations in Jeffrey Donaldson Sexual Abuse Trial

A jury at Newry Crown Court has begun considering its verdicts in the sexual abuse trial of former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.

Judge Paul Ramsey spent two hours summarising the evidence to the seven-man, five-woman jury before they retired. Sir Jeffrey, aged 63, denies 18 charges, including one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency, and 13 counts of indecent assault. These allegations relate to the sexual abuse of two women when they were children, reportedly occurring between 1985 and 2008.

Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 60, faces five charges of aiding and abetting her husband's alleged offending. Due to mental health grounds, Lady Donaldson was declared unfit for a conventional trial and is undergoing a trial of the facts in her absence. This process allows the jury to determine if the acts alleged against her were committed, but it cannot result in a criminal conviction.

Both alleged victims, identified as Complainants A and B, provided testimony during the four-week trial. Sir Jeffrey also gave evidence over two days. The Donaldsons were arrested and charged on 28 March 2024 at their County Down residence.

The judge instructed the jury that a conviction requires them to be satisfied that the prosecution has proven its case against Sir Jeffrey beyond reasonable doubt.