Jeffrey Donaldson sexual offences trial to hear from second alleged victim

By Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association

The sexual offences trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson is set to hear from the second alleged victim.

Donaldson arrived at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday shortly after 9 am wearing a dark blue suit.

He is accused of rape and several counts of gross indecency, and of indecent assault.

The former MP, 63, has pleaded not guilty to the 18 alleged offences.

The charges span a time period between 1985 and 2008 involving two alleged victims.

His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending.

She is facing a trial of the facts.

The jury previously heard evidence from the first alleged victim, Complainant A.

Tuesday’s evidence is expected to begin with the jury played a video of Complainant B’s interview with police before she is cross-examined.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112.