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Sir Jeffrey Donaldson Faces 18 Charges, Trial Set for May

3/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, faces 18 charges, including rape, with a trial set for May 26 at Newry Crown Court.
His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 59, faces five counts of aiding and abetting and denies 23 allegations tied to incidents between 1985 and 2008.
A judge at Newry Crown Court scheduled a review for May 5.

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Story summary

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, faces 18 charges, including rape, with a trial set for May 26 at Newry Crown Court.
His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 59, faces five counts of aiding and abetting and denies 23 allegations tied to incidents between 1985 and 2008.
A judge at Newry Crown Court scheduled a review for May 5.