Inside court as Jeffrey Donaldson takes the stand

In the News podcast: ‘It just didn’t happen’ he tells Newry court of child sex abuse allegations

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Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at Newry Crown Court to take the stand in his trial on charges of historical child sex abuse. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at Newry Crown Court to take the stand in his trial on charges of historical child sex abuse. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty

Jeffrey Donaldson took the stand in Newry Crown Court on Thursday at his trial on charges of historical child sex abuse.

It was the 13th day of the trial, and he was questioned by the defence barrister about the specific allegations made by the two complainants.

The former DUP leader told the jury that he does not accept any allegations that he sexually abused two women while they were children. He did admit infidelity; that he had had an affair with a woman in London nearly 20 years ago. That was in the morning.

Then in the afternoon the prosecution began its cross-examination, and that will continue on Friday and perhaps into next week.

So what did he say when the 18 charges were put to him? And what next for this trial?

Irish Times Northern Editor Freya McClements was in court for Donaldson’s testimony.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.

Bernice Harrison

Bernice Harrison

Bernice Harrison is an Irish Times journalist and cohost of In the News podcast

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