Jeffrey Donaldson Trial Begins: Former DUP Leader Faces 18 Sex Charges

A jury was sworn in May 26 at Newry Crown Court for the trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, who faces 18 charges including rape and indecent assault. The trial is expected to last three to four weeks. Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 60, faces five charges of aiding and abetting but was ruled unfit to stand trial on mental health grounds and will face a trial of facts instead.

What Donaldson Is Charged With

Donaldson faces one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency with or towards a child, and 13 counts of indecent assault. The alleged offences span from 1985 to 2008 and involve two alleged victims. The rape charge alleges unlawful sexual intercourse without consent between 1985 and 1991. Nine indecent assault allegations span 1985 to 2006. A gross indecency charge covers the period 2005 to 2006.

How His Wife’s Case Differs

Lady Eleanor Donaldson faces five charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending. Judge Paul Ramsey ruled last week that she was unfit to stand trial on mental health grounds. She will instead face a trial of facts, which tests evidence but cannot result in a criminal conviction. Lawyers represent her, but she will play no part in the proceedings. The two trials will run simultaneously with separate legal teams.

Political Fallout From the Arrest

Donaldson was arrested at his County Down home on 28 March 2024 and charged the same day. He resigned as DUP leader the next day and did not contest his Lagan Valley seat at the general election four months later. Before his arrest, Donaldson was a dominant figure in unionism and a key player at Westminster who helped broker the post-Brexit Windsor framework on Northern Ireland’s trading arrangements. The case threw the DUP and the Stormont executive into disarray.

Timeline and Courtroom Details

Jury selection took about 40 minutes on Tuesday morning, 26 May. Judge Paul Ramsey told the jury he expected the trial to last three to four weeks. Donaldson, wearing a blue suit with white shirt and green tie, sat in the dock with his arms crossed, flanked by two court staff. When asked if he was ready, he replied: “Yes”. The prosecution will begin its opening address on Wednesday, 27 May.

Final Thoughts

The trial of Jeffrey Donaldson marks one of the most high-profile cases in recent Northern Irish history. With the jury now sworn in and prosecution opening Wednesday, the case will test the evidence over the coming four weeks. Both Donaldson and his wife deny all charges.

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