Judge Paul Ramsey told Newry Crown Court that genuine medical issues relating to Lady Eleanor Donaldson must be examined before the case proceeds. The couple deny a combined 23 charges: Sir Jeffrey, 62, faces 18 alleged offences including one count of rape; Lady Donaldson, 59, faces five counts of aiding and abetting. Two medical reports have been completed, a further one is required, and a review is scheduled for 23 January. No new trial date has been set.
Judge: Genuine medical issues identified in Lady Eleanor Donaldson case — review set for 23 January
Judge Paul Ramsey told Newry Crown Court that genuine medical issues relating to Lady Eleanor Donaldson must be examined before the case proceeds. The couple deny a combined 23 charges: Sir Jeffrey, 62, faces 18 alleged offences including one count of rape; Lady Donaldson, 59, faces five counts of aiding and abetting. Two medical reports have been completed, a further one is required, and a review is scheduled for 23 January. No new trial date has been set.
06:41 PM, 11/13/2025Politics
Judge flags medical issues delaying Lady Eleanor Donaldson trial
A judge at Newry Crown Court has said genuine medical issues need to be explored before the case against Lady Eleanor Donaldson can proceed. The couple — Lady Donaldson and her husband, former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson — deny a combined 23 charges.
Judge Paul Ramsey made the remarks during a short hearing and has fixed a further review of the proceedings for 23 January. The trial, which had been due to start earlier this month, was postponed because of concerns about Lady Donaldson's health.
Allegations and current position
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, 62, is accused of 18 alleged offences, including one count of rape. Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 59, faces five charges said to relate to aiding and abetting. The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 1985 and 2008. The defendants deny all charges.
The court was told that two medical reports relating to Lady Donaldson have been completed and that a further report is required. Judge Ramsey acknowledged the public might ask why the case has not yet reached trial and stressed the need for the medical issues to be properly investigated.
Judge Ramsey said: 'The reality is that genuine medical issues have been identified and they need to be explored before we proceed further. That is simply the way it is.'
A prosecution lawyer said the alleged victims have been kept informed of the case's progress. No new trial date has been fixed.