Jury to resume deliberations in Jeffrey Donaldson trial

The jury in the Jeffrey Donaldson sex offence trial will resume its deliberations at Newry Crown Court this morning.

The five women and seven men were sent home for the weekend on Friday afternoon after deliberating for around seven hours over two days, following 17 days of hearings.

Judge Paul Ramsey has told the jury he is seeking a unanimous verdict but that will move to a majority verdict if it becomes clear that is not possible.

Mr Donaldson is facing 18 sexual offences charges, arising from allegations by two women that he abused them when they were children.

The former DUP leader has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges, including one count of rape.

His wife has pleaded not guilty to five related charges of aiding and abetting his alleged offending.

Eleanor Donaldson is facing what is called a Trial of Facts as she was deemed medically unfit to face a conventional criminal trial. She has not been taking part in the proceedings.

The jury is being asked to determine if she committed the offences she is accused of.

She cannot be found guilty or given a criminal conviction, but she can be acquitted.