Overview
- The criminal jury trial at Newry Crown Court is under way with the prosecution having opened its case and evidence entering its second day.
- Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to 18 historical sexual‑offence charges brought by two women that include allegations of rape and other counts dating from 1985 to 2008.
- Lady Eleanor Donaldson has been ruled medically unfit to plead and will face a trial of the facts heard alongside the jury; that procedure can establish whether alleged acts occurred but cannot result in a criminal conviction.
- The court has allowed pre‑recorded witness interviews and imposed strict anonymity protections for complainants, with judges warning that publishing identifying or prejudicial material online could lead to contempt of court.
- The case has political consequences after Donaldson resigned and was suspended from the DUP in 2024, and the trial is expected to run several weeks with media coverage including photography of court appearances.