Police Interviews Scheduled for Jury Review
The jury in the trial of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is set to view a recording of his police interview when court proceedings resume on Monday morning at Newry Crown Court.
Additionally, the interview of Lady Eleanor Donaldson will be played as the trial enters its third week.
Charges and Pleas
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, aged 63, has pleaded not guilty to all 18 charges against him, which include one count of rape.
His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, who is undergoing a trial of the facts on mental health grounds, denies five charges related to aiding and abetting.
Lady Eleanor is subject to a trial of the facts after being previously declared unfit to stand a conventional trial due to mental health issues, and as such, she is not actively participating in the proceedings.
Details of Alleged Offences
The alleged offences involving the two complainants reportedly took place between 1985 and 2008.
Both complainants came forward with their allegations to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in March 2024.
Sir Jeffrey denies committing acts of gross indecency and indecent assault against Complainant A during her childhood, with the alleged incidents occurring between 1999 and 2008.
Other charges, including a rape allegation dating back to 1985, concern a second complainant, Complainant B, who was also a child at the time. Sir Jeffrey denies these allegations as well.
