Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson begins trial on May 26 on 18 historical sex charges; his wife faces aiding charges, trial delayed due to her health.

The trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, and his wife Eleanor Donaldson, 59, on historical sexual offence charges is set to begin on May 26 at Newry Crown Court. Donaldson, who resigned as DUP leader after his March 2024 arrest, denies 18 charges including rape, indecent assault, and gross indecency spanning 1985 to 2008 involving two victims. His wife faces aiding and abetting charges, which she denies. The trial has been delayed due to her serious medical condition, requiring two medical assessments for fitness to stand trial—only one has been completed. A review hearing confirmed the agreed trial date, with no immediate decision on her fitness expected.