Police Interview with Alleged Victim Played in Court
The jury in the trial of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been shown a video recording of a police interview with a woman who alleges he raped and indecently assaulted her during her childhood.
The woman, referred to as Complainant B, is the elder of two alleged victims accusing the former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader of sexual abuse.
She gave the police interview several weeks before Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife were arrested in March 2024.
Of the 18 sex abuse charges Sir Jeffrey denies, ten relate to Complainant B, with the alleged offences occurring between 1985 and 1991.
Warning: This report contains details that some readers may find distressing.
Complainant B's Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) interview, which lasted 75 minutes, was played at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday morning.
During the interview, she was tearful at times and some of her statements were difficult to hear.
Details of Allegations from Complainant B
She alleged that Sir Jeffrey frequently put his hands down her underwear.
"He used to put his hands down my underwear quite a lot," she said.
Recalling the alleged rape incident, which she said occurred when she was of primary school age, Complainant B described how he placed his feet between hers and pulled her legs apart.
"His breathing was heavy and he was panting," she stated.
She added that she felt something "different" and "something I'd never felt before."
"I hated it yet I thought if I pretend to be asleep he'll just stop and lose interest. I thought what's the point in shouting," she said.
Complainant B also described feeling "really sick" and "anxious" the following day.
Additional Charges and Trial Details
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson also denies charges of gross indecency and indecent assault against another alleged victim, Complainant A, relating to incidents between 1999 and 2008 when she was a child.
His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, denies five charges of aiding and abetting.
She is currently facing a trial of the facts after being previously deemed unfit to stand trial on conventional grounds due to mental health issues, and is therefore not actively participating in the proceedings.
