NEWRY, Northern Ireland, June 11 (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Former Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson took the stand at Newry Crown Court on Thursday to deny all charges of historical sex offences against two girls. The 63-year-old politician faces 18 charges, including one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault, and four counts of gross indecency. These allegations involve events that reportedly took place between 1985 and 2008.
During the hearing, Donaldson’s defence barrister, Kieran Vaughan KC, asked if he accepted any of the claims made by the individuals identified as Complainant A and Complainant B. Donaldson responded with a firm “no” to each specific allegation presented to the court. The proceedings, which are expected to continue throughout the remainder of June, mark a significant moment for the former lawmaker who served as one of the most prominent political figures in the region until his arrest in March 2024.
Testimony Regarding Allegations
When questioned about an allegation from Complainant A regarding inappropriate physical contact during her childhood, Donaldson rejected the claim entirely. Addressing the court while wearing a navy suit and red tie, he described the accusation as unreasonable.
“Why would I kiss a child using my tongue? That is ridiculous,” he stated.
Regarding the charges involving Complainant B, Donaldson maintained his innocence throughout the questioning process. He asserted that no abuse occurred and suggested there was no logical basis for the accusations brought against him. The prosecution also questioned Donaldson about a 2020 letter sent to Complainant A. While the complainant interpreted the message as an apology for abuse, Donaldson testified that the letter referred to marital tensions and a separate extramarital affair, rather than any criminal acts.
Personal Revelations
The trial has uncovered details regarding Donaldson’s personal life during his time in public office. Donaldson admitted to having an extramarital affair in 2008, characterizing his political career at the time as “all-consuming.” Furthermore, the court learned that his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, had previously planted a listening device in his car in 2020. She reportedly discovered text messages and used audio recordings to confront him, leading to a temporary separation from their family home.
Regarding the legal status of his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, the court noted she faces five counts of aiding and abetting. However, she is not participating in the standard criminal trial due to health issues, including severe depression. A judge ruled her unfit for a standard trial, leading to a concurrent “trial of the facts” to determine if she committed the acts without the possibility of a criminal conviction.
Donaldson reflected on his arrest in March 2024, describing the experience of being taken into custody in the middle of the night as a disorienting event. Following his arrest, he resigned immediately as the head of the DUP, the largest pro-British unionist party in the region. The legal proceedings at Newry Crown Court remain ongoing as the jury continues to hear evidence regarding the historical charges spanning several decades.
