A woman gave further evidence in the Donaldson trial as proceedings continued at Newry Crown Court. The Donaldson trial heard detailed testimony from one of the complainants during a day of cross-examination. Meanwhile, former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson continues to deny all charges against him.
Donaldson, 63, faces multiple allegations, including rape, gross indecency and indecent assault. However, he has pleaded not guilty to all 18 charges. The allegations relate to a period between 1985 and 2008 and involve two complainants.
During Friday’s hearing, a barrister representing Donaldson questioned one of the complainants about previous statements she made to police. The woman, referred to in court as Complainant A, answered questions about several allegations she had previously described.
The court heard discussion about claims involving inappropriate touching during her childhood. The complainant told jurors that most incidents involved direct contact. However, she also said some occasions involved contact over a bra.
The defence highlighted differences between her courtroom testimony and notes from a police meeting. According to the barrister, earlier records referred to touching over clothing. As a result, he suggested her evidence contained inconsistencies.
In response, the complainant maintained her position. She told the court that the facts remained unchanged. Furthermore, she insisted she stood by her account despite the challenge. The barrister also questioned whether she understood at the time that any alleged conduct was wrong. However, the complainant said abuse can be complex and difficult for children to understand.
She explained that her understanding developed over time. As she grew older, she began reassessing events she once considered normal. Consequently, she reached different conclusions about experiences from her childhood. The hearing also examined another allegation involving the use of a light. The complainant alleged that Donaldson focused a light toward her genital area during an incident she described in evidence.
The defence challenged that account directly. However, the complainant maintained that the light focused on her genital area. At the same time, she acknowledged feeling confused about some aspects of what she witnessed.
She told the court that confusion remained with her years later. Nevertheless, she said she wanted to answer questions honestly and accurately. Throughout the proceedings, Donaldson sat in the dock and occasionally made notes. He wore a dark suit and listened as lawyers questioned the witness.
The case also involves Donaldson’s wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson. She denies charges alleging she aided and abetted offending. However, a judge previously ruled that she was unfit to stand trial due to mental health concerns. As a result, the court will conduct a trial of the facts regarding the allegations against her. That process examines evidence but cannot result in a criminal conviction.
The Donaldson trial continues in Newry and is expected to last several more weeks. Meanwhile, jurors will continue hearing evidence before reaching any conclusions. Importantly, Donaldson denies all allegations, and the court has not reached any verdicts.
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