Trial of Northern Ireland's Donaldson set to start in November
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FILE PHOTO: Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) charged with historical sex offences, leaves the Newry Magistrates Court after a preliminary enquiry, in Newry, Northern Ireland, July 3, 2024. REUTERS/Damien Eagers
BELFAST (Reuters) - The trial of former Northern Ireland politician Jeffrey Donaldson for historical sex offences has been provisionally scheduled to start on November 3, a court heard on Friday.
The trial of the former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader and his wife Eleanor was delayed in March after the court heard that Eleanor was unwell.
A review hearing on June 5 will assess whether Eleanor can participate in the trial, Newry Crown Court heard.
Donaldson, once one of Northern Ireland's best-known politicians, stepped down suddenly as head of the British region's largest unionist party in March last year after the DUP said he had been charged with allegations of an historical nature.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include 13 counts of indecent assault on a female child and four counts of gross indecency towards a child. The charges relate to two complainants and the events allegedly took place between 1985 and 2008.
Eleanor Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to three charges, including aiding and abetting rape.
The trial is expected to last three weeks.
(Reporting by Amanda Ferguson; Writing by Conor Humphries; Editing by Sachin Ravikumar)
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