Jury begins deliberations in Sir Jeffrey Donaldson sex abuse trial

The jury has been sent out to consider verdicts in the sex abuse trial of former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson at Newry Crown Court. Judge Paul Ramsey spent approximately two hours on Thursday morning summarising the evidence before instructing the panel of seven men and five women to begin their deliberations.

The judge told the jury that the trial was now in its "closing stages" and emphasised that the prosecution must prove its case against Sir Jeffrey beyond reasonable doubt for any conviction. He stated, "Only where you are satisfied beyond reasonable doubt can you convict … that is the law," and expressed interest in a unanimous verdict at this stage.

Sir Jeffrey, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 charges, including one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency, and 13 counts of indecent assault, relating to the alleged abuse of two women when they were children. The offences are said to have occurred between 1985 and 2008. Both complainants, referred to as A and B, gave evidence during the four-week trial, and Sir Jeffrey testified over two days.

His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 60, faces a trial of the facts on mental health grounds after being declared unfit for a conventional trial. She denies five charges of aiding and abetting her husband's alleged offending. The jury will decide whether she committed the acts alleged, but this process cannot result in a criminal conviction.

The Donaldsons were arrested at their County Down home and charged on 28 March 2024. Sir Jeffrey sat in the dock wearing a dark suit and pink tie, with his arms folded, as the judge delivered his final remarks.