Newry Crown Court has scheduled a review for 5 May in the case against former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson. The hearing provides three weeks before the trial set for 26 May.

Judge Paul Ramsey noted that the court received two new medical reports on Lady Donaldson. Prosecuting barrister Rosemary Walsh KC confirmed receipt of the reports that morning. The judge stated the prosecution would examine them.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, faces 18 charges including one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency, and 13 counts of indecent assault. Lady Donaldson, 59, of Dublinhill Road in Dromore, faces five charges of aiding and abetting. The pair deny all 23 charges, alleged to have occurred between 1985 and 2008 against two complainants.

Neither attended the brief update hearing. The judge ruled they need not attend the 5 May review.

The couple received charges at the end of March 2024. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson serves as Lagan Valley MP. He resigned as DUP leader and faced party suspension after the charges.