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Defence closes its case in Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's sex abuse trial
No further witnesses will be called as the trial moves to closing submissions and jury directions after two alleged victims testified.
- On Monday, defence barrister Kieran Vaughan told Newry Crown Court that Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's defence case has formally closed, with no further witnesses to be called.
- Donaldson, 63, faces 18 historical offences involving two alleged victims between 1985 and 2008, including rape and indecent assault. Lady Eleanor Donaldson faces a trial of the facts regarding five counts of aiding and abetting.
- Prosecution barrister Rosemary Walsh began closing submissions describing the "pain and hurt" of two women alleging abuse, noting both reported to police in 2024 after reaching "turning points" in their lives.
- Closing submissions are expected to continue on Tuesday, with Judge Paul Ramsey scheduled to direct the jury of seven men and five women on Thursday before deliberations begin.
- This trial enters its final stage as the court focuses on closing legal arguments regarding the 18 alleged offences against the former DUP leader before the jury retires to consider a verdict.
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Consequences of alleged abuse by Jeffrey Donaldson ‘cannot be ignored’
She said the alleged victims were not “promoting a pack of malicious lies for absolutely no good reason”.
·Belfast, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources17
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 42%
C 50%
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