A judge is expected to rule today on a legal bid by Eleanor Donaldson to have charges against her thrown out.
Judge Paul Ramsey is set to deliver a decision on the ‘no bill’ application made by the legal team representing the 58-year-old.
The application to dismiss the two charges facing Sir Jeffrey Donaldson’s wife in the historical sex offences case involving them both was heard last Friday.
The detail, which cannot be reported for legal reasons, was heard during a sitting of Newry Crown Court. Both the former DUP leader and his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson appeared in person.
Jeffrey Donaldson, 62, has pleaded not guilty to 18 offences. The charges include one count of rape as well as allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency. The charges span a time period between 1985 and 2008, and there are two alleged victims. Eleanor Donaldson, 58, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, faces charges of aiding and abetting.
She has entered not guilty pleas to three charges but her defence team has applied to have two other charges against her withdrawn. The no bill application to dismiss the two charges was heard on Friday, as well as a response from the prosecution.
Following the hearing, Judge Paul Ramsey is set to deliver a decision next today Friday (Feb 28). The trial is scheduled to start at the end of March.
English (United States) ·