THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

‘Fully independent’ probe needed following Donaldson revelations, says Alliance By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is in custody awaiting sentencing after being convicted last week of serious sexual offences against children (Brian Lawless/PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. A “fully independent investigation” is needed following further revelations concerning disgraced former leader Jeffrey Donaldson, the Alliance leader has said. Naomi Long said transparency is needed around the actions of members of the DUP leadership in relation to other alleged victims of Donaldson’s “predatory behaviour”. Donaldson is in custody awaiting sentencing after being convicted last week of serious sexual offences against children. On Monday, a jury of seven men and five women at Newry Crown Court unanimously found the 63-year-old guilty of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children. A prison van carrying former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donald…

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson tells jury he is ‘crystal clear’ rape allegation is false By PA News Published: 11:55, 11 June 2026 | Updated: 13:00, 11 June 2026 Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said he is “crystal clear” that an allegation he raped an alleged victim when she was a child is “simply not true”. Donaldson also told his sexual offences trial that an allegation that he had touched the same woman’s breasts was “just unbelievable”. The ex-MP, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences. The charges include one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency, and span a time period between 1985 and 2008 involving two alleged victims. Complainant A and B have both given evidence at the trial. Both women allege they were abused as children. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson arriving at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday (PA) Eleanor Donaldson, 60, 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 on mental health grounds. Defence barrister Kieran Vaughan KC called Donaldson as a witness in the trial at Newry Crown Court shortly after 10.30am on Thursday. Wearin…

Police Ombudsman requested to probe what police knew about Jeffrey Donaldson By PA News Published: 12:03, 28 June 2026 | Updated: 13:10, 28 June 2026 The Police Ombudsman has been requested to probe what police knew in terms of disgraced former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson. Donaldson was convicted last week of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children. Over the last week questions have been asked around how much was known within the DUP about Donaldson’s wider conduct in the period prior to his 2024 arrest over sex abuse allegations. The DUP on Friday announced it is commissioning a independent inquiry into revelations and who knew what. BBC Spotlight reported that a police detective suspected that Donaldson could be a secret child abuser a year before he was named to police. Doug Beattie has called for the Police Ombudsman to investigate what the PSNI knew regarding Donaldson’s child sexual abuse offences (PA) It reported that the detective and a child safeguarding expert suspected Donaldson following an exploratory meeting at the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s headquarters with Complainant A and her partner before they made a for…

DUP may be damaged ‘beyond repair’ by Donaldson revelations, says ex-adviser By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Disgraced former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson. (PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. The DUP may be damaged beyond repair by continuing revelations concerning disgraced former leader Jeffrey Donaldson, an ex-adviser has said. Donaldson is in custody awaiting sentencing after being convicted last week of serious sexual offences against children. On Monday, a jury of seven men and five women at Newry Crown Court unanimously found the 63-year-old guilty of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children. A prison van carrying former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson leaves Newry Crown Court last Monday (PA) Subsequent media reports have raised questions about how much was known within the DUP about Donaldson’s wider conduct in the period prior to his 2024 arrest over sex abuse allegations. Questions have been raised around whether there was an …

www.theguardian.com The trial of former Democratic Unionist party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex offences is set to begin in a case that triggered a political earthquake in Northern Ireland.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson tells jury he is ‘crystal clear’ rape allegation is false By PA News Published: 11:55, 11 June 2026 | Updated: 13:00, 11 June 2026 Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said he is “crystal clear” that an allegation he raped an alleged victim when she was a child is “simply not true”. Donaldson also told his sexual offences trial that an allegation that he had touched the same woman’s breasts was “just unbelievable”. The ex-MP, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences. The charges include one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency, and span a time period between 1985 and 2008 involving two alleged victims. Complainant A and B have both given evidence at the trial. Both women allege they were abused as children. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson arriving at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday (PA) Eleanor Donaldson, 60, 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 on mental health grounds. Defence barrister Kieran Vaughan KC called Donaldson as a witness in the trial at Newry Crown Court shortly after 10.30am on Thursday. Wearin…

DUP may be damaged ‘beyond repair’ by Donaldson revelations, says ex-adviser By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Disgraced former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson. (PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. The DUP may be damaged beyond repair by continuing revelations concerning disgraced former leader Jeffrey Donaldson, an ex-adviser has said. Donaldson is in custody awaiting sentencing after being convicted last week of serious sexual offences against children. On Monday, a jury of seven men and five women at Newry Crown Court unanimously found the 63-year-old guilty of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children. A prison van carrying former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson leaves Newry Crown Court last Monday (PA) Subsequent media reports have raised questions about how much was known within the DUP about Donaldson’s wider conduct in the period prior to his 2024 arrest over sex abuse allegations. Questions have been raised around whether there was an …

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson tells jury he is ‘crystal clear’ rape allegation is false By PA News Published: 11:55, 11 June 2026 | Updated: 13:00, 11 June 2026 Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said he is “crystal clear” that an allegation he raped an alleged victim when she was a child is “simply not true”. Donaldson also told his sexual offences trial that an allegation that he had touched the same woman’s breasts was “just unbelievable”. The ex-MP, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences. The charges include one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency, and span a time period between 1985 and 2008 involving two alleged victims. Complainant A and B have both given evidence at the trial. Both women allege they were abused as children. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson arriving at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday (PA) Eleanor Donaldson, 60, 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 on mental health grounds. Defence barrister Kieran Vaughan KC called Donaldson as a witness in the trial at Newry Crown Court shortly after 10.30am on Thursday. Wearin…

‘Fully independent’ probe needed following Donaldson revelations, says Alliance By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is in custody awaiting sentencing after being convicted last week of serious sexual offences against children (Brian Lawless/PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. A “fully independent investigation” is needed following further revelations concerning disgraced former leader Jeffrey Donaldson, the Alliance leader has said. Naomi Long said transparency is needed around the actions of members of the DUP leadership in relation to other alleged victims of Donaldson’s “predatory behaviour”. Donaldson is in custody awaiting sentencing after being convicted last week of serious sexual offences against children. On Monday, a jury of seven men and five women at Newry Crown Court unanimously found the 63-year-old guilty of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children. A prison van carrying former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donald…

Jeffrey Donaldson trial hears alleged sexual abuse victim tell police of nightmares <p>Recording of police interview played in Newry crown court also contained allegations about ex-DUP leader’s actions</p><p>An alleged victim of sex abuse by Jeffrey Donaldson had nightmares about men doing “horrible things to children” and was left “feeling dirty for a long time”, a Northern Ireland court has heard.</p><p>The complainant made the allegations in a police interview played to the jury in the trial of the former MP and Democratic Unionist party (DUP) leader, who is charged with historical sex offences.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/may/28/jeffrey-donaldson-trial-hears-alleged-sex-abuse-victim-tell-police-of-nightmares">Continue reading...</a>

DUP may be damaged ‘beyond repair’ by Donaldson revelations, says ex-adviser By PA News Published: 10:44, 28 June 2026 | Updated: 11:50, 28 June 2026 The DUP may be damaged beyond repair by continuing revelations concerning disgraced former leader Jeffrey Donaldson, an ex-adviser has said. Donaldson is in custody awaiting sentencing after being convicted last week of serious sexual offences against children. On Monday, a jury of seven men and five women at Newry Crown Court unanimously found the 63-year-old guilty of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children. A prison van carrying former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson leaves Newry Crown Court last Monday (PA) Subsequent media reports have raised questions about how much was known within the DUP about Donaldson’s wider conduct in the period prior to his 2024 arrest over sex abuse allegations. Questions have been raised around whether there was an awareness that he was allegedly engaged in behaviour in his private life that, although legal, was very much at odds with positions he adopted publicly. BBC Spotlight has reported that some senior DUP figures were aware of another woman, wh…

DUP may be damaged ‘beyond repair’ by Donaldson revelations, says ex-adviser By PA News Published: 10:44, 28 June 2026 | Updated: 11:50, 28 June 2026 The DUP may be damaged beyond repair by continuing revelations concerning disgraced former leader Jeffrey Donaldson, an ex-adviser has said. Donaldson is in custody awaiting sentencing after being convicted last week of serious sexual offences against children. On Monday, a jury of seven men and five women at Newry Crown Court unanimously found the 63-year-old guilty of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children. A prison van carrying former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson leaves Newry Crown Court last Monday (PA) Subsequent media reports have raised questions about how much was known within the DUP about Donaldson’s wider conduct in the period prior to his 2024 arrest over sex abuse allegations. Questions have been raised around whether there was an awareness that he was allegedly engaged in behaviour in his private life that, although legal, was very much at odds with positions he adopted publicly. BBC Spotlight has reported that some senior DUP figures were aware of another woman, wh…

Jeffrey Donaldson trial hears victim was 'sexually abused as a child ... Two women who accused Jeffrey Donaldson of sexually abusing them claim the former DUP leader subjected them to “difficult and traumatic incidents” when they were children, his trial has heard. The prosecution case against Donaldson has been set out for the jury at Newry Crown Court. The former MP is accused of rape and several counts of gross indecency and of indecent assault. Inside the courtroom: Jeffrey Donaldson flanked by prison guards as prosecutor opens sex abuse case Live: Quieter night on Belfast streets but large police presence remains A ‘depraved’ British soldier allegedly danced on blood-stained clothing of three brothers murdered by loyalist paramilitaries, court told Donaldson, 63, has pleaded not guilty to the 18 alleged offences. The charges span a time period between 1985 and 2008 involving two alleged victims. Donaldson’s 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. Jeffrey Donaldson, wearing a blue suit, stood in the dock with his hands joined as the charges…

Jeffrey Donaldson accused of subjecting women to 'traumatic' incidents ... Jeffrey Donaldson accused of subjecting women to 'traumatic' incidents Jeffrey Donaldson Court Crime By Jonathan McCambridge Share Jeffrey Donaldson in court (Image: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Two women who accused Sir Jeffrey Donaldson of sexually abusing them claim the former DUP leader subjected them to “difficult and traumatic incidents” when they were children, his trial has heard. The prosecution case against Donaldson has been set out for the jury at Newry Crown Court. The former MP is accused of rape and several counts of gross indecency and of indecent assault. Donaldson, 63, has pleaded not guilty to the 18 alleged offences. The charges span a time period between 1985 and 2008 involving two alleged victims. Donaldson’s wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending. She is facing …

‘Fully independent’ probe needed following Donaldson revelations, says Alliance By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is in custody awaiting sentencing after being convicted last week of serious sexual offences against children (Brian Lawless/PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. A “fully independent investigation” is needed following further revelations concerning disgraced former leader Jeffrey Donaldson, the Alliance leader has said. Naomi Long said transparency is needed around the actions of members of the DUP leadership in relation to other alleged victims of Donaldson’s “predatory behaviour”. Donaldson is in custody awaiting sentencing after being convicted last week of serious sexual offences against children. On Monday, a jury of seven men and five women at Newry Crown Court unanimously found the 63-year-old guilty of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children. A prison van carrying former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donald…

Prosecutor outlines case against former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson <p>Ex-MP is charged with 18 sexual offences involving two alleged victims, and his wife with aiding and abetting </p><p>Jeffrey Donaldson sexually assaulted a child and years later apologised to her at a church-brokered meeting, a court has heard.</p><p>The former MP and Democratic Unionist party leader allegedly committed the abuse with complicity from his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, a prosecutor told Newry crown court in County Down on Wednesday.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/may/27/prosecutor-outlines-case-against-former-dup-leader-jeffrey-donaldson">Continue reading...</a>

‘Fully independent’ probe needed following Donaldson revelations, says Alliance By PA News Published: 17:50, 28 June 2026 | Updated: 18:52, 28 June 2026 A “fully independent investigation” is needed following further revelations concerning disgraced former leader Jeffrey Donaldson, the Alliance leader has said. Naomi Long said transparency is needed around the actions of members of the DUP leadership in relation to other alleged victims of Donaldson’s “predatory behaviour”. Donaldson is in custody awaiting sentencing after being convicted last week of serious sexual offences against children. On Monday, a jury of seven men and five women at Newry Crown Court unanimously found the 63-year-old guilty of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children. A prison van carrying former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson left Newry Crown Court on Monday (Liam McBurney/PA) Subsequent media reports have raised questions about how much was known within the DUP about Donaldson’s wider conduct in the period prior to his 2024 arrest over sex abuse allegations. Questions have been raised around whether there was an awareness that he was allegedly engaged in…

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson tells jury he is ‘crystal clear’ rape allegation is false By PA News Published: 11:55, 11 June 2026 | Updated: 13:00, 11 June 2026 Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said he is “crystal clear” that an allegation he raped an alleged victim when she was a child is “simply not true”. Donaldson also told his sexual offences trial that an allegation that he had touched the same woman’s breasts was “just unbelievable”. The ex-MP, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences. The charges include one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency, and span a time period between 1985 and 2008 involving two alleged victims. Complainant A and B have both given evidence at the trial. Both women allege they were abused as children. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson arriving at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday (PA) Eleanor Donaldson, 60, 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 on mental health grounds. Defence barrister Kieran Vaughan KC called Donaldson as a witness in the trial at Newry Crown Court shortly after 10.30am on Thursday. Wearin…

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson tells jury he is ‘crystal clear’ rape allegation is false By PA News Published: 11:55, 11 June 2026 | Updated: 13:00, 11 June 2026 Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said he is “crystal clear” that an allegation he raped an alleged victim when she was a child is “simply not true”. Donaldson also told his sexual offences trial that an allegation that he had touched the same woman’s breasts was “just unbelievable”. The ex-MP, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences. The charges include one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency, and span a time period between 1985 and 2008 involving two alleged victims. Complainant A and B have both given evidence at the trial. Both women allege they were abused as children. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson arriving at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday (PA) Eleanor Donaldson, 60, 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 on mental health grounds. Defence barrister Kieran Vaughan KC called Donaldson as a witness in the trial at Newry Crown Court shortly after 10.30am on Thursday. Wearin…

DUP may be damaged ‘beyond repair’ by Donaldson revelations, says ex-adviser By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Disgraced former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson. (PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. The DUP may be damaged beyond repair by continuing revelations concerning disgraced former leader Jeffrey Donaldson, an ex-adviser has said. Donaldson is in custody awaiting sentencing after being convicted last week of serious sexual offences against children. On Monday, a jury of seven men and five women at Newry Crown Court unanimously found the 63-year-old guilty of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children. A prison van carrying former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson leaves Newry Crown Court last Monday (PA) Subsequent media reports have raised questions about how much was known within the DUP about Donaldson’s wider conduct in the period prior to his 2024 arrest over sex abuse allegations. Questions have been raised around whether there was an …

DUP may be damaged ‘beyond repair’ by Donaldson revelations, says ex-adviser By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Disgraced former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson. (PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. The DUP may be damaged beyond repair by continuing revelations concerning disgraced former leader Jeffrey Donaldson, an ex-adviser has said. Donaldson is in custody awaiting sentencing after being convicted last week of serious sexual offences against children. On Monday, a jury of seven men and five women at Newry Crown Court unanimously found the 63-year-old guilty of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children. A prison van carrying former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson leaves Newry Crown Court last Monday (PA) Subsequent media reports have raised questions about how much was known within the DUP about Donaldson’s wider conduct in the period prior to his 2024 arrest over sex abuse allegations. Questions have been raised around whether there was an …

Jury sworn in at trial of Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex offences <p>Trial of former DUP leader is expected to last four weeks and is among the most high-profile in Northern Ireland in recent years</p><p>The jury in Jeffrey Donaldson’s trial for alleged sex offences has been sworn in, launching one of the most high-profile trials in recent Northern Irish history.</p><p>The former MP and Democratic Unionist party leader entered Newry crown court on Tuesday amid a heavy police and media presence for a trial that is expected to last about four weeks.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/may/26/jury-sworn-in-at-trial-of-jeffrey-donaldson-for-alleged-sex-offences">Continue reading...</a>

Alleged rape of girl ‘simply not true’, Jeffrey Donaldson tells trial <p>Former DUP leader also rejects suggestion wife knew about or witnessed abuse, saying ‘there was nothing to know’</p><p>Jeffrey Donaldson is “crystal clear” that an allegation he raped a girl several years ago is “simply not true”, the former Democratic Unionist party leader has told a court.</p><p>Giving evidence in the third week of his trial on sexual abuse charges, the ex-MP said an allegation that he had touched the same girl’s breasts was “just unbelievable”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jun/11/alleged-rape-girl-simply-not-true-jeffrey-donaldson-tells-trial">Continue reading...</a>

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson tells jury he is ‘crystal clear’ rape allegation is false By PA News Published: 11:55, 11 June 2026 | Updated: 13:00, 11 June 2026 Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said he is “crystal clear” that an allegation he raped an alleged victim when she was a child is “simply not true”. Donaldson also told his sexual offences trial that an allegation that he had touched the same woman’s breasts was “just unbelievable”. The ex-MP, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences. The charges include one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency, and span a time period between 1985 and 2008 involving two alleged victims. Complainant A and B have both given evidence at the trial. Both women allege they were abused as children. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson arriving at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday (PA) Eleanor Donaldson, 60, 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 on mental health grounds. Defence barrister Kieran Vaughan KC called Donaldson as a witness in the trial at Newry Crown Court shortly after 10.30am on Thursday. Wearin…

Parties raise further questions over latest Jeffrey Donaldson allegations By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Sir Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at Newry Crown Court (Liam McBurney/PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Sinn Féin and the Alliance Party have said there are further questions for the DUP to answer about the behaviour of former leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson. The calls come amid new allegations about Donaldson, who was last month convicted of sex offences against two women when they were children, including one count of rape. The Belfast Telegraph reported on Tuesday that a woman has made a complaint to police that Donaldson had sexually assaulted her in the DUP Westminster offices in 2016. Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey said the public are entitled to answers (Liam McBurney/PA) A PSNI spokesperson told the Press Association: “Police have received a report about an allegation of a non-recent offence and are assessing the information.” The DUP has previously commissioned an independent review…

Police Ombudsman requested to probe what police knew about Jeffrey Donaldson By PA News Published: 12:03, 28 June 2026 | Updated: 13:10, 28 June 2026 The Police Ombudsman has been requested to probe what police knew in terms of disgraced former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson. Donaldson was convicted last week of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children. Over the last week questions have been asked around how much was known within the DUP about Donaldson’s wider conduct in the period prior to his 2024 arrest over sex abuse allegations. The DUP on Friday announced it is commissioning a independent inquiry into revelations and who knew what. BBC Spotlight reported that a police detective suspected that Donaldson could be a secret child abuser a year before he was named to police. Doug Beattie has called for the Police Ombudsman to investigate what the PSNI knew regarding Donaldson’s child sexual abuse offences (PA) It reported that the detective and a child safeguarding expert suspected Donaldson following an exploratory meeting at the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s headquarters with Complainant A and her partner before they made a for…

Jeffrey Donaldson trial hears accuser describe details of alleged rape <p>Witness B said in police interview that she pretended to be asleep when allegedly abused as a child</p><p>A jury in Northern Ireland has heard details of the alleged rape of a child by the former Democratic Unionist party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson.</p><p>A police interview with the complainant was played to Newry crown court in Northern Ireland on Tuesday on the sixth day of the former MP’s trial for sex offences.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jun/02/jeffrey-donaldson-trial-accuser-police-interview">Continue reading...</a>

DUP may be damaged ‘beyond repair’ by Donaldson revelations, says ex-adviser By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Disgraced former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson. (PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. The DUP may be damaged beyond repair by continuing revelations concerning disgraced former leader Jeffrey Donaldson, an ex-adviser has said. Donaldson is in custody awaiting sentencing after being convicted last week of serious sexual offences against children. On Monday, a jury of seven men and five women at Newry Crown Court unanimously found the 63-year-old guilty of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children. A prison van carrying former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson leaves Newry Crown Court last Monday (PA) Subsequent media reports have raised questions about how much was known within the DUP about Donaldson’s wider conduct in the period prior to his 2024 arrest over sex abuse allegations. Questions have been raised around whether there was an …

Jeffrey Donaldson trial: Women claim ex-DUP leader subjected them to ... Jeffrey Donaldson trial: Women claim ex-DUP leader subjected them to 'difficult and traumatic incidents' as children The prosecution case against Donaldson has been set out for the jury at Newry Crown Court News Jonathan McCambridge 17:55, 27 May 2026 Updated 18:18, 27 May 2026 Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at Newry Courthouse, where he is accused of historical sexual offences Two women who accused Sir Jeffrey Donaldson of sexually abusing them claim the former DUP leader subjected them to “difficult and traumatic incidents” when they were children, his trial has heard. The prosecution case against Donaldson has been set out for the jury at Newry Crown Court. The former MP is accused of rape and several counts of gross indecency and of indecent assault. Donaldson, 63, has pleaded not guilty to the 18 alleged offences. The charges span a time period between 1985 and 2008 involving two alleged victims. Donaldson’s wife Lady 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. Jeffrey Donaldson, w…

Trial of Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex offences to begin in Newry. Former DUP leader faces charges spanning 21 years in case that triggered political earthquake in Northern Ireland. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...

DUP may be damaged ‘beyond repair’ by Donaldson revelations, says ex-adviser By PA News Published: 10:44, 28 June 2026 | Updated: 11:50, 28 June 2026 The DUP may be damaged beyond repair by continuing revelations concerning disgraced former leader Jeffrey Donaldson, an ex-adviser has said. Donaldson is in custody awaiting sentencing after being convicted last week of serious sexual offences against children. On Monday, a jury of seven men and five women at Newry Crown Court unanimously found the 63-year-old guilty of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children. A prison van carrying former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson leaves Newry Crown Court last Monday (PA) Subsequent media reports have raised questions about how much was known within the DUP about Donaldson’s wider conduct in the period prior to his 2024 arrest over sex abuse allegations. Questions have been raised around whether there was an awareness that he was allegedly engaged in behaviour in his private life that, although legal, was very much at odds with positions he adopted publicly. BBC Spotlight has reported that some senior DUP figures were aware of another woman, wh…

‘Traumatic incidents’ to be recalled during Jeffrey Donaldson abuse trial, court hears – The Irish Times https://www.europesays.com/ie/505677/ Jurors in the trial of the former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson will hear about “difficult and traumatic incidents”…

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson tells jury he is ‘crystal clear’ rape allegation is false By PA News Published: 11:55, 11 June 2026 | Updated: 13:00, 11 June 2026 Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said he is “crystal clear” that an allegation he raped an alleged victim when she was a child is “simply not true”. Donaldson also told his sexual offences trial that an allegation that he had touched the same woman’s breasts was “just unbelievable”. The ex-MP, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences. The charges include one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency, and span a time period between 1985 and 2008 involving two alleged victims. Complainant A and B have both given evidence at the trial. Both women allege they were abused as children. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson arriving at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday (PA) Eleanor Donaldson, 60, 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 on mental health grounds. Defence barrister Kieran Vaughan KC called Donaldson as a witness in the trial at Newry Crown Court shortly after 10.30am on Thursday. Wearin…

Donaldson sex abuse trial jury asked to recall visible 'pain and hurt' of accusers Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the former Democratic Unionist Party leader, is on trial for 18 sex abuse charges, including one count of ra... https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg8zmzernko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

DUP may be damaged ‘beyond repair’ by Donaldson revelations, says ex-adviser By PA News Published: 10:44, 28 June 2026 | Updated: 11:50, 28 June 2026 The DUP may be damaged beyond repair by continuing revelations concerning disgraced former leader Jeffrey Donaldson, an ex-adviser has said. Donaldson is in custody awaiting sentencing after being convicted last week of serious sexual offences against children. On Monday, a jury of seven men and five women at Newry Crown Court unanimously found the 63-year-old guilty of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children. A prison van carrying former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson leaves Newry Crown Court last Monday (PA) Subsequent media reports have raised questions about how much was known within the DUP about Donaldson’s wider conduct in the period prior to his 2024 arrest over sex abuse allegations. Questions have been raised around whether there was an awareness that he was allegedly engaged in behaviour in his private life that, although legal, was very much at odds with positions he adopted publicly. BBC Spotlight has reported that some senior DUP figures were aware of another woman, wh…

'Traumatic incidents' to be recalled during Jeffrey Donaldson abuse ... Jurors in the trial of the former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson will hear about “difficult and traumatic incidents” the two alleged victims in the case claim occurred when they were children, Newry Crown Court has heard. During the opening of the prosecution case on Wednesday, the jury of seven men and five women was told that Donaldson was “always silent” when he carried out the abuse on one of his alleged victims. He put his “hands down her pants a lot” and sexual activity was “not unexpected”. Jurors heard about an alleged rape of one of the alleged victims, known as Complainant B, by Donaldson. She was allegedly abused from age seven to 13. READ MORE Orthopaedic surgeon accused of trashing hotel and assaulting guests found not guilty by reason of insanity ‘Once in a lifetime opportunity’: A south Dublin beach to call your own from €250,000 Belfast latest: Stabbing victim ‘improving’, DUP leader says Ken Early: Driving through Mexico City it’s clear not everyone is in love with this World Cup The court also heard of a church meeting arranged between Complainant B and Donaldson in 1997, when he apologised for…

Trial of Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex offences to begin in Newry <p>Former DUP leader faces charges spanning 21 years in case that triggered political earthquake in Northern Ireland</p><p>The trial of former Democratic Unionist party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex offences is set to begin in a case that triggered a political earthquake in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk/northernireland">Northern Ireland</a>.</p><p>Donaldson, 63, is<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/apr/24/jeffrey-donaldson-court-charged-rape-assault-gross-indecency-dup"> charged with rape</a>, gross indecency and other sexual offences spanning 21 years. His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, 60, is charged with aiding and abetting rape and indecent assault and will be subject to a trial of facts.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/may/26/trial-jeffrey-donaldson-dup-alleged-sex-offences-to-begin-newry-northern-ireland">Continue reading...</a>