Arabic version: المحكمة تستمع إلى ادعاءات ضد السيدة دونالدسون في محاكمة جيفري دونالدسون

A woman, known as Complainant A, testified in court that Lady Donaldson was informed of an alleged sexual abuse incident involving her husband, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, but “did nothing about it.” This statement was made during cross-examination by Lady Eleanor Donaldson’s lawyer, Ian Turkington KC.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), denies 18 charges of sexual abuse, including one count of rape. Lady Donaldson denies five charges related to aiding and abetting but is not participating in the trial due to mental health issues, facing a trial of the facts instead.

Complainant A claimed she had confided in Lady Donaldson about a troubling encounter with Sir Jeffrey, during which he allegedly acted inappropriately. She stated, “I knew by the look on her face she knew I was telling the truth. Why would I make something like that up?” She asserted that despite recognizing her sincerity, Lady Donaldson failed to take action.

The court also heard allegations that Sir Jeffrey had engaged in further inappropriate behavior, including kissing Complainant A. She described the incident as being dismissed by both defendants as a joke, stating, “I can guarantee you I was not laughing at all.”

The trial continues, with Complainant B scheduled to begin testifying soon. The jury will view a video recording of her police interview from March 2024. According to BBC News, the proceedings are ongoing at Newry Crown Court.