Donaldson Trial Date Pending Further Medical Assessments

The trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Eleanor, accused of multiple historical sex offences, is scheduled to begin on November 3 but remains uncertain due to ongoing medical assessments of Eleanor Donaldson's fitness to stand trial. Eleanor Donaldson faces five charges of aiding and abetting, while Jeffrey Donaldson denies 18 offences including rape and indecent assault, with allegations spanning from 1985 to 2008 involving two alleged victims. The trial was initially set for March but postponed because of Eleanor Donaldson's deteriorating health. Recent psychiatric reports prompted the defense to seek further expert opinions, including from a neurologist, with additional assessments by prosecution-commissioned doctors planned in October. Judge Paul Ramsey emphasized efforts to preserve the November trial date and scheduled a case review for October 10 to determine whether the trial can proceed. Both defense and prosecution are working to complete the medical evaluations as swiftly as possible to provide a clear decision on the trial's status.