Donaldson trial moved closer to its conclusion on Thursday as the judge began reviewing key evidence for the jury at Newry Crown Court.
Judge Paul Ramsey opened his final remarks by telling jurors that the case had reached its closing stage. He reminded them to examine each charge carefully before reaching a verdict. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, denies 18 sexual offence charges. The allegations include one count of rape, along with claims of indecent assault and gross indecency.
Prosecutors say the alleged offences happened between 1985 and 2008. The case involves two women who say they suffered abuse during childhood. Inside the courtroom, Donaldson sat quietly in the dock wearing a dark suit and pink tie. Throughout the hearing, he listened closely as the judge outlined the evidence presented during the trial.
Judge Ramsey stressed that jurors must decide each allegation on its own. He explained that the prosecution carries the burden of proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt. During the proceedings, both complainants gave evidence in person. They described their experiences and answered questions from both legal teams.
Meanwhile, Donaldson spent two full days giving his own evidence. He rejected every allegation against him and maintained his innocence throughout. In addition, the court also heard details about Donaldson’s wife, Eleanor Donaldson. She faces separate charges of aiding and abetting the alleged offences.
However, her case follows a different legal process because of mental health grounds. That process, known as a trial of the facts, tests the evidence without leading to a criminal conviction. Judge Ramsey noted that this setup remains uncommon, though courts have handled similar situations before.
As the Donaldson trial enters its final phase, jurors will soon retire to consider their verdict. Their decision will mark the end of one of Northern Ireland’s most closely watched court cases in recent years.
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