Defense Challenges Credibility of Complainants in High-Profile Trial
The defense counsel for Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has asserted that the two women alleging sexual abuse against him as children are not dependable enough for the jury to reach a guilty verdict. Kieran Vaughan KC, the defense barrister for the former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader, informed the jury that there were "significant and fundamental issues" with the accounts of both complainants.
Sir Jeffrey has pleaded not guilty to 18 charges of sexual abuse, including one count of rape, which are alleged to have occurred between 1985 and 2008. His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, denies five related charges of aiding and abetting and is undergoing a trial of the facts without active participation in the proceedings.
Focus on Evidence, Not 'Noise,' Jury Urged
In his closing remarks, Vaughan implored the jury to disregard external distractions and concentrate solely on the presented evidence. He stated, "We say you will see there are fundamental and significant issues with each of these complainants… they are not sufficiently reliable enough in order to drive you to a sure conclusion that he is guilty."
Vaughan began his closing argument by addressing the testimony of Complainant B, the older of the two alleged victims. He then proceeded to dissect Complainant A's evidence, labeling her a "very, very unreliable witness" and someone the jury could not "safely rely upon." Vaughan suggested that Complainant A was capable of both omitting and adding details to her testimony to suit her own objectives.
He referenced a letter Sir Jeffrey wrote to the complainant in 2020, which the trial previously heard she interpreted as an apology for the alleged abuse. Vaughan argued that the complainant had failed to provide the context of this letter, which Sir Jeffrey had testified was unrelated to the allegations. Furthermore, Vaughan highlighted that Complainant A did not mention other alleged abuse by another man during her police interview, suggesting this omission indicated a witness attempting to present a specific narrative rather than a complete picture.
Regarding an alleged incident where Sir Jeffrey reportedly used a light to examine Complainant A's private parts, Vaughan posited it was a "misunderstanding." He cited the complainant's own words to the police, "I just was very confused, I wasn't quite sure what had just happened," questioning how the jury could be sure if she herself was uncertain. Vaughan dismissed other claims, such as Sir Jeffrey allegedly kissing her with his tongue and rubbing her breasts, as lacking credibility and having "no semblance of credibility."
He pointed out an inconsistency in Complainant A's account of the breast-rubbing incident, where she initially claimed Lady Donaldson witnessed it but later stated she "couldn't tell" what Lady Donaldson saw under cross-examination. Vaughan concluded that this exchange demonstrated her capacity for "a terrible untruth" and made her an unreliable witness.
Lady Donaldson's Health and Lack of Participation Highlighted
Ian Turkington KC, representing Lady Donaldson, then addressed the court. He reminded the jury that Lady Donaldson was deemed medically unfit to face a conventional trial due to mental health issues and was therefore unable to participate in the proceedings or defend herself. He emphasized that the jury served as "gatekeepers" against any potential miscarriage of justice and must be convinced that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. Turkington argued that, based on the evidence, this was not possible.
He questioned the clarity of the prosecution's case against Lady Donaldson, noting that it relied solely on the complainants' accounts. Turkington also raised concerns about the significant delay between the alleged abuse and when the complainants reported their allegations, questioning the reliability of memories over such an extended period.
Sir Jeffrey denies acts of gross indecency and indecent assault against Complainant A between 1999 and 2008, and other alleged offenses, including a charge of rape, against Complainant B dating back to 1985.
Source: Donaldson sex abuse accusers 'not sufficiently reliable' for a guilty verdict, jury told