Donaldson Trial: Eleanor Donaldson “did nothing” when told of an allegation of abuse, Newry court hears

Donaldson Trial: Eleanor Donaldson “did nothing” when told of an allegation of abuse, Newry court hears

Author: Belfast Telegraph June 1, 2026 Duration: 5:57

Eleanor Donaldson “did nothing” when told of an allegation of abuse by her husband, Jeffrey Donaldson, a court has heard. 

The claim from one of the alleged victims came during week two of the former DUP leader’s trial. 

63-year-old Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences. 

 

The charges include one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency. 

 

Donaldson’s wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending. 

 

The 60-year-old is facing a trial of the facts, not a criminal trial, after judge Paul Ramsey ruled her unfit to stand trial on mental health grounds. 

 

Allison Morris was in court for day four of evidence.  


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