Former DUP Leader Denies 18 Sex Abuse Charges at Trial Opening

The prosecution opened its case Wednesday at Newry Crown Court against former Democratic Unionist Party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson on 18 sex abuse charges. Crown barrister Rosemary Walsh KC told the jury two women came forward two-and-a-half years ago describing incidents they say occurred when they were children.

Sir Jeffrey, 63, has pleaded not guilty to one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency and 13 counts of indecent assault. The alleged offences span 1985 to 2008. His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, faces a trial of the facts on five related charges of aiding and abetting, which she has denied.

Walsh described two alleged incidents involving the older complainant. In the first, the woman said Sir Jeffrey put his hands down her underwear, placed his feet between hers, pulled her legs apart and sexually assaulted her. In the second, she said he followed her into a room, lifted her top and bra, and touched her exposed breasts.

The court heard the complainant later disclosed the abuse to church-linked individuals. A facilitated meeting took place in which Sir Jeffrey told her he wanted to apologise for what had been done in the past.

A The younger complainant alleged Sir Jeffrey was physical with her, putting his hands up her top and touching her chest area. She also said he commented on the size of her breasts and kissed her inappropriately by putting his tongue in her mouth. When she pushed away, the court heard, he laughed and said it was a joke.

The complainant later realised the behaviour was not normal, the prosecution said. Her police interview will be shown to the jury before she gives evidence.

The Donaldsons were arrested at their County Down home and charged on 28 March 2024. Sir Jeffrey resigned as DUP leader the following day and did not contest his Lagan Valley seat in the general election four months later. Lady Donaldson was found unfit for a conventional trial under the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order and will face a trial of the facts without participating in proceedings.

The trial continues Thursday with the first witness expected to be Complainant A.