A pre-trial hearing at Newry Crown Court has confirmed that the trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson will begin jury selection on 26 May.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, faces 18 charges including one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency and 13 counts of indecent assault. The alleged offences span 1985 to 2008 and involve two alleged victims. Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 59, faces five charges of aiding and abetting, which she denies along with her husband.

The hearing on Tuesday heard that a medical report on Lady Donaldson has been completed. Judge Paul Ramsey said the report would clear the way for proceedings to advance, with legal argument on the report scheduled for Wednesday.

Both prosecution and defence teams told the court they are ready for the case to start. Judge Ramsey stated the process of swearing in a jury is expected to begin next Tuesday.

The couple were arrested at their County Down home in March 2024. Sir Jeffrey resigned as DUP leader following the charges and was suspended from the party. He had led the party back into Stormont weeks before the arrest after a two-year boycott.

The trial was originally due to begin in March 2025 but has been postponed twice due to health concerns involving Lady Donaldson.