The trial of Jeffrey Donaldson began on Wednesday, with the jury warned they would hear about “difficult and traumatic incidents” that the two alleged victims claim they experienced as children.
By the end of the second day, Thursday, they had heard more of the substance of those alleged incidents, including watching a video of a police interview with the witness known as Complainant A.
She and the other witness, Complainant B, allege sexual abuse by Donaldson carried out when they were children.
The jury heard how Donaldson wrote to Complainant A saying he regretted “all the hurt, pain and distress” he had caused.
The former DUP leader, one of Northern Ireland’s most high-profile politicians, is accused of 18 offences – one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency with or towards a child, and 13 counts of indecent assault – between 1987 and 2008. The 63-year-old denies all charges.
Jeffrey Donaldson sex abuse trial: What the jury has heard so far
Eleanor Donaldson (60), who has been judged medically unfit to stand trial, is charged with aiding and abetting in connection with the charges. She denies the charges.
Irish Times Northern Editor Freya McClements is reporting from Newry Crown Court. She tells Bernice Harrison about what the jury has heard so far, how Donaldson’s defence lawyer questioned Complainant A, and what comes next.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey.
