Sir Jeffrey Donaldson: judge says he will be disappointed if trial does not go ahead as scheduled

By David Young PA

A judge has made clear he will be “extremely disappointed” if the historical sexual offences trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson does not proceed on May 26 as scheduled.

Proceedings against Donaldson and his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson have been delayed twice due to medical issues related to her.

A review hearing in Newry Crown Court on Tuesday was told that two further medical assessments of Eleanor Donaldson still had to be carried out ahead of the trial date later this month.

Judge Paul Ramsey acknowledged that “genuine medical evidence” remained outstanding but he said it was nevertheless his “expectation rather than hope” that a trial would commence as scheduled on May 26.

He listed another review hearing for May 19 to enable all parties to the case to assess the findings of the two additional examinations – one commissioned by the prosecution and one by the defence – and determine whether they would influence how proceedings would progress.

Jeffrey Donaldson (63), has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences.

The charges include one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency, and span a time period between 1985 and 2008, involving two alleged victims.

Eleanor Donaldson, 60, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, is facing charges of aiding and abetting, which she denies.

Neither of the Donaldsons attended Tuesday’s hearing in Newry courthouse.

Prosecuting barrister Rosemary Walsh KC told the court that she had provided a position paper to all parties setting out two options on how the case could progress if Eleanor Donaldson is deemed unfit for trial.

Eleanor Donaldson’s counsel Ian Turkington KC insisted other options would also need to be considered in that scenario.