The trial of Jeffrey Donaldson, former head of the Democratic Unionist Party, has begun in Newry over allegations of past sexual offences.
Prosecutors told the court that the 63-year-old is facing 18 charges, including rape, indecent assault, and gross indecency. The accusations involve two complainants and relate to alleged incidents spanning more than two decades, from the mid-1980s to 2008. Donaldson has denied all the charges.
Once one of the most prominent unionist politicians in Northern Ireland and a long-serving member of the UK parliament, he stepped down from leadership immediately after being charged in 2024.
The court also heard that his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, will not stand a standard trial due to mental health concerns. Instead, a separate legal process will determine whether the alleged acts occurred, without ruling on criminal guilt. She has also denied the allegations against her.
The proceedings are expected to continue through much of June.