Date set for Donaldson court case
The trial will begin later this year on November, 3rd
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA
A new date has been set for the trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Lady Donaldson on charges relating to alleged historical sex offences.
At Newry Crown Court on Friday, Judge Paul Ramsey set the trial date of November 3 after being told that Eleanor Donaldson is continuing to receive medical treatment.
The trial had previously been due to start in March but was delayed due to Mrs Donaldson's medical state.
Jeffrey Donaldson, 62, who did not attend the hearing on Friday, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences.
The charges include one count of rape as well as allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency.
The charges span a time period between 1985 and 2008, and there are two alleged victims.
Eleanor Donaldson, 59, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, is facing charges of aiding and abetting, which she denies.