Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, currently facing trial at Newry Crown Court, has expressed remorse in a letter to a woman accusing him of childhood sexual abuse. The woman interpreted the letter as a potential apology for the alleged abuse. Donaldson, 63, faces charges including rape, indecency, and assault, spanning from 1985 to 2008 with two alleged victims involved. His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, is accused of aiding and abetting but is unfit for trial due to mental health reasons.
The trial, testing the evidence without leading to a criminal conviction, saw the first witness, referred to as Complainant A, detailing experiences of alleged abuse. In a police interview played to the court, the woman described incidents of inappropriate behavior by Donaldson dating back to her childhood, including unwanted physical contact and suggestive comments. She expressed feelings of anger and discomfort, indicating a realization in her 20s that the behavior was not normal.
The trial, anticipated to last up to four weeks, is ongoing. Donaldson, a former MP for Lagan Valley, was arrested in March 2024, leading to his resignation as DUP leader and suspension from the party. Prior to his arrest, he had played a key role in the DUP’s return to government at Stormont.