Trial of Northern Ireland's Donaldson delayed by at least eight weeks

BELFAST (Reuters) - The trial for historical sex offences of Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), and his wife Eleanor has been delayed by at least eight weeks as she is unwell, a court heard on Friday.

The timing of the trial will now be reviewed at a hearing on May 16, Newry Crown Court heard.

Donaldson, one of Northern Ireland's best-known politicians, stepped down suddenly as head of the British region's largest unionist party in March 2024 after the DUP said he had been charged with allegations of an historical nature.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include 13 counts of indecent assault on a female child and four counts of gross indecency towards a child. The charges relate to two complainants and the events allegedly took place between 1985 and 2008.

Eleanor Donaldson, who has pleaded not guilty to three charges, including aiding and abetting rape, is currently not fit to stand trial, her lawyer told the court.

The trail is expected to last three weeks.

(Reporting by Amanda Ferguson; Writing by Conor Humphries; editing by Sarah Young)