A medical report on Lady Eleanor Donaldson remains outstanding, prompting Judge Paul Ramsey to express disappointment at a review hearing on Friday. The trial of the 59-year-old and her husband, former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, has been adjourned for another week as the defence awaits the crucial document.
Defence barrister Ian Turkington told Newry Crown Court the report is "imminent" and essential for the case to move forward. He explained: "It's only with the report we will be meaningfully able to timetable the next steps." The judge said he was "a bit disappointed" the report was not yet available.
Lady Eleanor Donaldson, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, denies charges of aiding and abetting. She did not attend Friday's hearing. The trial has been delayed on two previous occasions due to her medical issues.
Charges against former DUP leader
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, faces 18 alleged historical sexual offences including one count of rape, allegations of indecent assault, and gross indecency. The alleged offences involve two victims and span from 1985 to 2008. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and did not attend the hearing.
The former long-standing MP for Lagan Valley was arrested and charged at the end of March 2024. He resigned as DUP leader and was suspended from the party after the allegations emerged. Weeks before his arrest, he had led the DUP back into Stormont's powersharing institutions following a two-year boycott.
The case will return to court next Friday, with the defence hoping to receive the medical report by then.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
