Two women have made allegations of sexual abuse against Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, claiming he exposed them to “traumatic incidents” during their childhood, as revealed in his ongoing trial.
The prosecution has initiated its case at Newry Crown Court in Northern Ireland, where the 63-year-old former MP is facing charges of rape, gross indecency, and indecent assault, totaling 18 counts, all of which he denies vehemently.
The accusations date back to a period spanning from 1985 to 2008 and involve two complainants. Donaldson’s wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, residing in Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, is accused of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged actions and is undergoing a trial of the facts.
During the court proceedings, Jeffrey Donaldson, dressed in a blue suit, stood before the jury composed of seven men and five women as the charges against him and his wife were detailed.
Barrister Rosemary Walsh KC, representing the prosecution, commenced by outlining the evidence to be presented, including witness testimonies and police interviews conducted with the Donaldsons at the time of their arrest in 2024.
Ms. Walsh informed the court that two complainants had come forward over two years ago, reporting distressing incidents they claim occurred during their childhood.
She mentioned that one of the complainants, identified as Complainant B, recounted incidents where Donaldson had sexually assaulted her as a child, detailing specific encounters involving inappropriate touching.
The court was informed that Complainant B had disclosed multiple instances of misconduct by Donaldson, including incidents where he made unwanted advances and inappropriate comments about her appearance.
Ms. Walsh also touched upon the statement provided by Complainant A, who alleged that Donaldson had touched her inappropriately on several occasions during her childhood, making her uncomfortable with his actions and comments.
Further revelations from the police interviews indicated Donaldson’s denial of the allegations put forth by the complainants, with him expressing disbelief at the accusations leveled against him.
While Jeffrey Donaldson faces a criminal trial, his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, is undergoing a trial of the facts due to her mental health condition, as ruled by Judge Paul Ramsey.
The trial of the facts aims to evaluate the evidence presented without leading to a criminal conviction, and it is being conducted concurrently with the criminal trial against Jeffrey Donaldson, overseen by Judge Ramsey.
The trial is anticipated to continue for three to four weeks, shedding light on the allegations that led to Jeffrey Donaldson’s resignation as DUP leader and his suspension from the party following his arrest in March 2024.
