Donaldson Trial Delayed Again, New Medical Reports

0:00It's March 27th. Europe News Today starts now, AI-powered and pain European. I'm Cory with the story. The trial of former D.U.P. leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson on historical sexual offense charges has seen fresh developments. Jeffrey, who was 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 counts, including one rape charge plus indecent assault and gross indecency. Investigations from 1985 to 2008 involving two victims, Eleanor 59, Army and Nies aiding and abetting those offenses. The case has already faced two delays due to Eleanor's medical issues, and now two new medical reports about her have landed in court. Jeffrey Donaldson, the longtime MP for Lagan Valley, was arrested and charged at the end of March 2024. Just weeks earlier, he had guided the D.U.P. back into Stormont after a two-year boycott of Northern Ireland's power-sharing government. The charges forced his resignation as party leader and suspension from the D.U.P.

1:04At a short hearing Friday, a New Recround Court, neither Donaldson attended. The judge noted the prosecution needs time to review the new reports, with an update set for May 5th, three weeks before the rescheduled trial on May 26th. Prosecutors and the court are pushing ahead with preparations, aiming to keep things on track despite the health hurdles.