Jeffrey Donaldson sex abuse trial delayed as wife ‘unfit to stand trial’
The trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Eleanor Donaldson on charges relating to alleged historical sex offences is to be delayed.
At Newry Crown Court on Friday Judge Paul Ramsey granted an adjournment application on medical grounds after being told Mrs Donaldson is currently “unfit to stand trial”.
The trial had been due to start on March 24th.
No new date has been set.
Donaldson (62), who did not attend the hearing on Friday, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences.
The charges include one count of rape as well as allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency.
The charges span a time period between 1985 and 2008, and there are two alleged victims.
Eleanor Donaldson (58), of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, is facing charges of aiding and abetting, which she denies.
Mrs Donaldson’s barrister Ciara Ennis told the court that she wanted to advance the…
We’ve summarized this news for a quick read. If you’re interested, you can read the full article here:
If you find this site helpful, share it with your friends!