First witness to give evidence in trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson

FORMER DUP LEADER Jeffrey Donaldson has arrived at court ahead of the first evidence being heard in his trial over alleged historical sexual offences.

It is expected that the first witness in the case, Complainant A, will be called to give evidence at Newry Crown Court today.

The former MP is accused of rape and several counts of gross indecency and of indecent assault.

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Donaldson (63) has pleaded not guilty to the 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.

Donaldson’s wife, Eleanor Donaldson (60), from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending.

She is facing a trial of the facts, not a criminal trial, after Judge Paul Ramsey ruled her unfit to stand trial on mental health grounds. She will not be in court. 

The trial of the facts will test the evidence in the case but cannot result in a criminal conviction. It is being heard simultaneously with Jeffrey Donaldson’s criminal trial.

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On Wednesday, prosecuting barrister Rosemary Walsh KC delivered her opening statement.

She said two women claim the former Lagan Valley MP subjected them to “difficult and traumatic incidents” when they were children.

A police interview with Complainant A is expected to be played to the jury today before she is cross-examined.