Northern Ireland unionist ex-leader faces rape and sexual abuse trial
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), faces trial for multiple sexual abuse charges involving two girls from incidents dating between 1985 and 2008.
- Donaldson, 63, pleaded not guilty to one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency, and 13 counts of indecent assault, with allegations brought forward more than two years ago.
- He resigned from his leadership role and as a UK lawmaker following his arrest in March 2024, shortly after the DUP rejoined Northern Ireland’s power-sharing government.
- The alleged victims reported abuse starting from primary school age, with one victim stating that Donaldson apologized years later during a church-arranged meeting.
- Donaldson’s wife, Eleanor, charged with aiding and abetting, is not attending trial due to mental health issues, and jurors will consider her case based on facts without the possibility of conviction or punishment.