At Newry Crown Court, the jury selection process has begun for the criminal trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.
The 63-year-old faces 18 sexual offense charges, including one allegation of rape, and has entered a not guilty plea to all counts.
His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, is also facing legal proceedings. Due to health concerns, Judge Paul Ramsey has determined she is unfit for a standard trial under the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order.
Consequently, she will undergo a trial of the facts regarding accusations of aiding and abetting, which she denies.
The legal case involves incidents allegedly spanning from 1985 to 2008.
Sir Jeffrey, who was arrested in March 2024, stepped down as leader of the DUP immediately following the charges. The trial is projected to span four weeks.
Authorities have issued strict warnings regarding the case. Northern Ireland Attorney General Dame Brenda King emphasized that social media users risk contempt of court charges if they post content that prejudices the trial.
Furthermore, the public is legally prohibited from identifying the complainants, a warning reinforced by local law enforcement.
