Barristers for Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, closed their case at Newry Crown Court on Monday, June 15, 2026, regarding sexual offense charges. The former DUP leader and his wife both pleaded not guilty to allegations of abuse involving two women between 1985 and 2008.
Defence Concludes Evidence at Newry Crown Court
The defence team representing the two defendants informed the court on Monday afternoon that they will not be calling any further witnesses or presenting additional evidence. According to BreakingNews.ie, the decision follows a period in which the 63-year-old former DUP leader spent two days in the witness box providing his own testimony.
“now in a position to close my case.
The trial has centered on the testimony of two women, identified as Complainant A and Complainant B, who allege they were abused as children. The Journal reported that the case also involved cross-examination regarding a meeting with a complainant that was allegedly arranged through a Christian group.
Allegations and Charges Against the Defendants
The legal proceedings involve a complex array of charges spanning more than two decades. As <a href="https://www.rte.
- One count of rape
- 13 counts of indecent assault
- Four counts of gross indecency
Eleanor Donaldson, 60, faces five separate charges. These counts allege that she aided and abetted her husband’s sexual offending during the period between 1985 and 2008.
The Legal Basis for Eleanor Donaldson’s Trial of the Facts
The trial for Eleanor Donaldson follows a different legal procedure than that of her husband due to her medical condition. Because she has been deemed medically unfit to undergo a conventional criminal trial, the court is conducting a “trial of the facts.”
“She is incapable of giving evidence so we don’t intend to call any further evidence.
In this specific legal framework, a jury of seven men and five women is tasked with determining whether the alleged offenses were committed. However, under the rules of a trial of the facts, the jury does not have the authority to return a criminal conviction against her.
Procedural Timeline for the Final Verdict
The court is now moving toward the final stages of the trial.
- Tuesday: The prosecution will deliver its closing submissions.
- Wednesday: The defence teams for both Jeffrey and Eleanor Donaldson will present their closing submissions.
- Thursday: Judge Paul Ramsey will sum up the case and provide directions to the jury.
Once the judge has completed his directions, the jury will retire to consider their verdict.
<!– /wp:paragraph As the trial continues, the court will review the evidence and testimonies to determine the validity of the charges.Find more reporting in our World section.