New date set for trial of Jeffrey Donaldson and wife

A judge has set a new trial date in the sex offences case involving the former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Lady Donaldson.

They will stand trial jointly at Newry Crown Court on 26 May.

Four weeks have been set aside for a jury to hear the evidence.

The couple deny a combined 23 charges, which are alleged to have been committed between 1985 and 2008.

Sir Jeffrey, 63, is accused of 18 offences, including one count of rape.

Lady Donaldson, 59, faces five charges relating to aiding and abetting.

The case was listed for mention at a hearing on Monday.

Lady Donaldson's barrister, Ian Turkington KC, told judge Paul Ramsey that his client is "seriously unwell".

However, he added that there was no reason not to fix a trial date, in the hope she is "well enough" come then.

The judge also ruled that the two alleged victims will be able to give evidence via video link.

The couple's trial has been postponed twice before due to Lady Donaldson's health.

They were last in court 11 months ago, and they have not been required to attend since then.

They were arrested and charged in March 2024.