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Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's Apology Letter Read Amid Abuse Charges

5/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A 2020 handwritten apology letter from Sir Jeffrey Donaldson to an alleged victim was read aloud in Newry Crown Court.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Lady Eleanor Donaldson face sexual-abuse related charges, with the former pleading not guilty and the latter scheduled for a trial of the facts after being ruled medically unfit.
The jury heard pre-recorded police interviews that revealed Donaldson met one complainant at a Christian centre to apologise.

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Story summary

A 2020 handwritten apology letter from Sir Jeffrey Donaldson to an alleged victim was read aloud in Newry Crown Court.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Lady Eleanor Donaldson face sexual-abuse related charges, with the former pleading not guilty and the latter scheduled for a trial of the facts after being ruled medically unfit.
The jury heard pre-recorded police interviews that revealed Donaldson met one complainant at a Christian centre to apologise.