Jury Considers Verdicts in High-Profile Case
The jury in the sexual abuse trial of former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has retired to consider its verdicts. Judge Paul Ramsey concluded his summing up on Thursday morning, providing instructions to the seven men and five women before they began their deliberations at 13:20 BST.
Allegations and Charges
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has entered a plea of not guilty to 18 charges. These include one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency, and 13 counts of indecent assault. The accusations stem from allegations that he sexually abused two women when they were children, with the alleged offenses occurring between 1985 and 2008.
The trial, currently in its fourth week at Newry Crown Court, has seen both alleged victims, referred to as Complainants A and B, provide evidence. Sir Jeffrey also testified over two days during the proceedings. He and his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, were arrested and charged on March 28, 2024, at their County Down residence.
Lady Donaldson's Separate Proceedings
Lady Eleanor Donaldson, aged 60, faces five charges of aiding and abetting her husband's alleged offending. However, she has been deemed unfit for a conventional trial due to mental health grounds following a pre-trial hearing last month. Consequently, she is undergoing a trial of the facts in her absence, meaning the jury will decide if she committed the alleged acts, but this process cannot lead to a criminal conviction.
Judicial Instructions to the Jury
Prior to deliberations, Judge Ramsey emphasized to the jury that they must be satisfied the prosecution has proven its case against Sir Jeffrey beyond a reasonable doubt to convict. He stated, "Only where you are satisfied beyond reasonable doubt can you convict… that is the law." Sir Jeffrey, 63, was present in the dock, observing the judge's remarks.
Source: Jury sent out to consider verdicts in Jeffrey Donaldson's sex abuse trial