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Home > Headlines > Trial of Northern Ireland's Donaldson set to start in November

Trial of Northern Ireland's Donaldson set to start in November

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

Posted on May 16, 2025

1 min read

Last updated: January 23, 2026

Trial of Northern Ireland's Donaldson set to start in November - Headlines news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review

Quick Summary

Jeffrey Donaldson's trial for historical sex offences is set for November 3. The trial, involving multiple charges, is expected to last three weeks.

Trial of Jeffrey Donaldson in Northern Ireland Starts November

BELFAST (Reuters) - The trial of former Northern Ireland politician Jeffrey Donaldson for historical sex offences has been provisionally scheduled to start on November 3, a court heard on Friday.

The trial of the former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader and his wife Eleanor was delayed in March after the court heard that Eleanor was unwell.

A review hearing on June 5 will assess whether Eleanor can participate in the trial, Newry Crown Court heard.

Donaldson, once one of Northern Ireland's best-known politicians, stepped down suddenly as head of the British region's largest unionist party in March last year 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 has pleaded not guilty to three charges, including aiding and abetting rape.

The trial is expected to last three weeks.

(Reporting by Amanda Ferguson; Writing by Conor Humphries; Editing by Sachin Ravikumar)

Key Takeaways

•Jeffrey Donaldson's trial is scheduled for November 3.
•The trial involves historical sex offence charges.
•Eleanor Donaldson's participation is under review.
•The trial is expected to last three weeks.
•Charges include indecent assault and gross indecency.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trial of Northern Ireland's Donaldson set to start in November

1What is the main topic?

The main topic is the upcoming trial of Jeffrey Donaldson for historical sex offences in Northern Ireland.

2Who is Jeffrey Donaldson?

Jeffrey Donaldson is a former Northern Ireland politician and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

3What are the charges against Donaldson?

He faces 13 counts of indecent assault on a female child and four counts of gross indecency towards a child.

Trial of Jeffrey Donaldson in Northern Ireland Starts November

BELFAST (Reuters) - The trial of former Northern Ireland politician Jeffrey Donaldson for historical sex offences has been provisionally scheduled to start on November 3, a court heard on Friday.

The trial of the former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader and his wife Eleanor was delayed in March after the court heard that Eleanor was unwell.

A review hearing on June 5 will assess whether Eleanor can participate in the trial, Newry Crown Court heard.

Eleanor Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to three charges, including aiding and abetting rape.

The trial is expected to last three weeks.

(Reporting by Amanda Ferguson; Writing by Conor Humphries; Editing by Sachin Ravikumar)

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is the main topic?

The main topic is the upcoming trial of Jeffrey Donaldson for historical sex offences in Northern Ireland.

2Who is Jeffrey Donaldson?

Jeffrey Donaldson is a former Northern Ireland politician and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

3What are the charges against Donaldson?

He faces 13 counts of indecent assault on a female child and four counts of gross indecency towards a child.