Former DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Wife to Face Trial Over Historical Sex Offences

Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson are set to face trial over historical sex offence charges following a ruling by District Judge Eamonn King at Newry Magistrates’ Court.

Sir Jeffrey, aged 61, is accused of 18 offences involving two alleged victims, including charges of rape, gross indecency, and indecent assault dating back to between 1985 and 2008.

Lady Eleanor Donaldson, aged 58, is a co-accused in the case, facing charges of aiding and abetting in connection with the alleged offences that span from 1987 to 2008.

The next court hearing to progress the case to a crown court trial has been set for 10 September, with both defendants currently out on bail.

The Donaldsons were arrested at their home on 28 March and subsequently charged after being questioned at Antrim police station, with Sir Jeffrey announcing his resignation as DUP leader when the charges were made public.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has had a long political career, initially starting with the Ulster Unionist Party and later joining the Democratic Unionist Party due to his opposition to the Good Friday Agreement and leadership under David Trimble.

He served as the longest-serving MP for Lagan Valley, was knighted for his political service in 2016, and played pivotal roles in the power-sharing government at Stormont and the DUP’s arrangement with the Tory government in Westminster.

His resignation as DUP leader and decision not to seek re-election as an independent MP came in the wake of the charges, with the case now proceeding to trial alongside his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson.

Media outlets, including Sky News, have been closely following the developments in this high-profile case as it unfolds in Newry, Northern Ireland.