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Oct 25, 2024

Application to drop two charges against Eleanor Donaldson

Northern Editor Lawyers for Eleanor Donaldson, the wife of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson, will seek to have two of five sexual offence charges against her dropped at a court hearing in December.

Northern Editor

Lawyers for Eleanor Donaldson, the wife of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson, will seek to have two of five sexual offence charges against her dropped at a court hearing in December.

The 58-year-old last month pleaded not guilty to three charges, including aiding and abetting.

Her defence team has made an application to have two other charges withdrawn.

After a short review hearing at Newry Crown Court, Judge Paul Ramsey said he will hear the "No Bill" application on 17 December.

Neither Mrs Donaldson or her husband and co-accused Jeffrey Donaldson were in court for the hearing, but Mrs Donaldson's lawyers were told she must attend the next hearing in person.

Jeffrey Donaldson last month pleaded not guilty to 18 sex offence charges, including one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency and 13 charges of indecent assault.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between 1985 and 2008 and involve two alleged victims.

His defence team was told he does not have to appear in court for the hearing in December unless they think he should.

The couple will stand trial in March next year.