Once one of the most high-profile politicians in Northern Ireland, Jeffrey Donaldson (63) was arrested and charged with sex offences in March 2024. The former DUP leader and MP is accused of multiple offences, including rape, gross indecency with or towards a child, and indecent assault on a female, on dates between 1987 and 2008.
His wife, Eleanor Donaldson (60), is charged with five counts of aiding and abetting in connection with charges of sexual offences facing her husband.
She is medically unfit to stand trial and will instead face a trial of the facts.
Both Eleanor and Jeffrey Donaldson deny the charges.
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Why was the trial, which was originally due to begin in March 2025, postponed twice? And how will the court case unfold following jury selection in Newry on Tuesday?
Freya McClements, Northern Editor of The Irish Times, explains why Donaldson’s arrest has been called a political earthquake in the North, the details of the case that can be reported and the delay.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.
