The trial of Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Eleanor, begins today, more than two years since their arrests.
In March 2024, the pair were arrested following accusations of historical sexual offences.
At the time, Mr Donaldson was the Member of Parliament for Lagan Valley and leader of the DUP.
Mr Donaldson had recently helped to negotiate the Windsor Framework, which revised trading arrangements between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
However, he resigned after he was charged by PSNI.
Jeffrey Donaldson MP with DUP colleagues in 2023. Picture by: Alamy.com.Today, he will appear in Newry Crown Court, charged with rape, four counts of gross indecency and 13 counts of indecent assault.
All the alleged offences took place between 1985 and 2008 and there are two alleged victims.
Mr Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
“It'll be a trial like no other,” Daily Mirror Northern Ireland journalist James McCarthy told Newstalk Breakfast predicted.
“I can't remember any trial of this significance, particularly not only in Northern Ireland, but across these islands, across the Republic or the United Kingdom, where we have someone of such a high standing and such significance facing such serious charges.”
Prosecutors have also alleged that his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, abided and abetted him in the crimes he is accused of.
While she, too, maintains her innocence, Judge Paul Ramsey has ruled that Ms Donaldson is too ill to stand trial.
Instead, the 60-year-old will face a trial of facts.
“The facts will be presented to the jury and they will have to determine whether they believe that she committed the offences,” Mr McCarthy said.
“Now, she can't be found guilty for the offences, but the judge will then - if the jury find that she has committed the offences - the judge will have options open as to a form of punishment for her.
“My understanding is that the judge might order, like, for instance, a hospital stay or something like that in relation to Lady Donaldson.”
Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, at a garden party at Hillsborough Castle, County Down during a two day visit to Northern Ireland by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Picture by: Alamy.com.The trial is expected to last five weeks, with jury selection beginning today and evidence will be heard tomorrow.
“Jeffrey Donaldson himself will appear on the stand at some point throughout the period and how this plays out,” Mr McCarthy said.
“It will be significant; it will be leading the headlines now for the next few weeks.”
Anyone who has been impacted by domestic violence can contact Women’s Aid’s National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Main image: Sir Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at Newry Crown Court, where he and his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson are accused of historical sexual offences. Picture by: Alamy.com.
