Victim's Police Interviews Presented in Court
The jury in the sex abuse trial of former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has viewed video recordings of police interviews with one of the alleged victims.
These interviews, known as ABE (achieving best evidence) interviews, were conducted three weeks prior to Sir Jeffrey's arrest in March 2024. In the videos, Complainant A recounts multiple alleged encounters with Sir Jeffrey, including a kiss during which she claimed he put his tongue in her mouth.
Charges and Allegations
Sir Jeffrey, aged 63, denies 18 charges involving two alleged victims from their childhood, including one count of rape. He faces eight offences related to Complainant A, which allegedly took place between 1999 and 2008. These include four counts of gross indecency and four counts of indecent assault.
Details from the First ABE Interview
In the initial ABE interview shown to the jury, Complainant A stated:
"I, from quite a young age, was, I think, sexually abused by Jeffrey Donaldson."
She alleged that Sir Jeffrey made comments about the size of her breasts and recalled occasions when he kissed her, highlighting one five-second kiss that "really stood out".
"He put his tongue in my mouth and moved it around before I was able to push him off.
The kiss was not a pleasant thing."
She added that Sir Jeffrey "laughed off" the incident as "just a joke".
Complainant A also claimed that in another alleged incident, Sir Jeffrey used a bright light, possibly a torch, to examine her private parts, an experience that left her feeling "really frightened". During this part of the interview, she became tearful.
Further allegations included Sir Jeffrey placing his hands under her bra and rubbing her breasts.
Victim's Reflections and Impact
As an adult, Complainant A said she recognized the incidents as abnormal. She described watching Sir Jeffrey receive "accolade after accolade" in public life while dealing with the trauma.
"I was sexually aware from a young age and had nightmares about men doing horrible things to children."
Arrest and Political Consequences
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife were arrested at their County Down residence and charged on 28 March 2024. He resigned as DUP leader the following day and chose not to contest his Lagan Valley seat in the general election held four months later.
Overall, Sir Jeffrey faces charges including rape, four counts of gross indecency, and 13 counts of indecent assault.
Charges Against Lady Eleanor Donaldson
Lady Eleanor Donaldson faces a trial of the facts on five charges related to aiding and abetting, which she denies. She was found unfit for a conventional trial under the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order.
Under the trial of the facts, Lady Donaldson will not actively participate in the proceedings.
