Jeffrey Donaldson Trial Begins

Jeffrey Donaldson, former DUP leader, faces 18 serious charges including rape and indecent assault dating back to 1985, as jury selection begins at Newry Crown Court. At 63, he pleads not guilty, while his wife Eleanor, 60, faces aiding-and-abetting charges but has been ruled unfit to stand trial — her case will proceed without criminal conviction. Arrested in March 2024 after stepping down as party leader, Donaldson had just led the DUP back into power-sharing government after a two-year boycott. Both trials will proceed concurrently under the same judge as the court moves forward with jury selection. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/91d52cd94b527f9f