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Jeffrey Donaldson: Judge 'Firm' on Wanting Trial to Begin in Three Weeks
Judge Paul Ramsey said the case should start as planned while two further medical assessments of Eleanor Donaldson remain outstanding.
On Tuesday, Judge Paul Ramsey reaffirmed the May 26 start date for the trial of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Lady Eleanor Donaldson, stating it is his "expectation rather than hope" the case proceeds.
Proceedings against the couple have faced two previous delays due to medical issues concerning Lady Eleanor Donaldson, who faces charges of aiding and abetting, which she denies.
Newry Crown Court scheduled a follow-up review for May 19 to assess two pending medical examinations—one commissioned by prosecution, one by defence—required before trial can proceed.
Ramsey warned he would be "extremely disappointed" if the trial fails to commence as scheduled, even as Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's legal team awaits the medical reports.
Collectively, the couple denies 23 historical sexual offence charges spanning 1985 to 2008; the former DUP leader alone faces 18 counts, including one rape allegation.