The prosecuting barrister in the Jeffrey Donaldson case told the jury in her closing speech that the former DUP leader was “willing to lie” and had changed his story. 

The ex Lagan Valley MP has pleaded not guilty to eight historic sex abuse charges, including one count of rape, which were allegedly committed between 1985 and 2008. 

In her closing speech yesterday, Rosemary Walsh KC urged the jury to use their common sense about memory and spoke about how victims of crime suppress their feelings in the aftermath of traumatic events. 

“She said Complainant A had developed a coping mechanism to try to live a normal life, while Complainant B had buried her memories deep and she said tried not to be a victim,” reporter Jamie O’Hara recounted on Newstalk Breakfast. 

“But Ms Walsh said there are turning points where resolutions start to crumble and issues bolt to the surface. 

“Now on the issue of why the two women didn't report this earlier, Rosemary Walsh said that's a perfectly legitimate question to ask.

“She then said, hopefully, both Complainant A and Complainant B have articulated to the jury why they did not. 

“She said they are ready for this now, but they were not when they were younger.”

Jeffrey Donaldson. Picture by: PA Wire/PA Images.

Ms Walsh also touched upon a meeting a Christian Centre between Jeffery Donaldson and Complainant B. 

“The trial previously heard Geoffrey Donaldson said no allegations were made to him before or during the meeting,” Mr O’Hara recounted. 

“Then during the prosecution closing speech yesterday, the jury were told everyone, including Mr Donaldson, knew the meeting was about a serious allegation. 

“Rosemary Walsh said when you step back and look at the evidence Jeffrey Donaldson shut that meeting down; he knew this was something that needed to be dealt with.

“He took control of that meeting, he was not there to have a chat or discussion. He was there to manage a problem and he did that very well indeed.” 

Jeffrey Donaldson leaving Newry Crown Court. Picture by: Alamy.com.

The King’s Counsel also described Mr Donaldson as "willing to lie” and said that he had changed his version of events. 

Ms Walsh added that there is no reason why the two women would fabricate allegations against him. 

The court also heard from Mr Donaldson’s barrister, Kieran Vaughan KC, who told the jury to avoid media noise about the case and to focus on the evidence. 

“He said the people on the outside have not listened to the evidence day in, day out,” Mr O’Hara said. 

“He said the defence do not fear the evidence, but do fear the jury could be swept along, he said, in a tide of emotion that could lead them to a conviction. 

“Mr Vaughan told the jury this case comes down to the word, essentially, of Complainant A and Complainant B against the word of Jeffrey Donaldson. 

“He said there's no medical evidence, no forensic evidence or no witnesses who could come forward.” 

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at Newry Magistrates' Court. Picture by: PA Images / Alamy.

Mr Vaughan also focused on the historic nature of the allegations faced by Mr Donaldson. 

“He asked the jury if they were accused of something from 40 years ago how they could possibly defend themselves,” Mr O’Hara said.  

“How could you prove you hadn't done it? he asks.

“He said the passage of time is a real difficulty for his client and he asked the jury to keep this in mind.” 

Mr Donaldson’s wife, Eleanor, also faces five related charges of aiding and abetting.

Her poor mental health means she faces a trial of facts that will not result in a custodial sentence.

Main image: Jeffrey Donaldson arriving at Newry Crown Court. Picture by: Alamy.com.