Judge adjourns hearing in Lady Donaldson case

A judge has adjourned a hearing in the sex offences case involving Lady Eleanor Donaldson, who is facing trial with her husband Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the former DUP leader.

Newry Crown Court was told her lawyers are awaiting the completion of a medical report.

The couple's trial has been postponed twice due to her ill-health.

They 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.

At a short hearing on Friday, Judge Paul Ramsey agreed to a defence request to adjourn the case until January 30.

He was told her medical report is "imminent".

Only once the report is received, will the court be able to timetable the next steps in the case.

The couple were last in court 11 months ago – they have not been required to attend since then.

No new date has been fixed for the trial.