Evidence began on Thursday at Newry Crown Court in the trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson.

A police interview recorded with Complainant A in March 2024 was played to the jury. In the recording the complainant described alleged incidents from primary school age onward.

The complainant stated that Donaldson put his hand up her top on multiple occasions and made comments about her breasts. She also described an incident in which she woke to find him holding a light over her and another in which he kissed her and put his tongue in her mouth.

Complainant A said the incidents were treated as a joke at the time and that she later recognised them as abnormal.

A letter written by Donaldson to Complainant A in June 2020 was read in court. In it he expressed regret for the hurt caused, stated he took full responsibility and said he had sought help from God.

Complainant A told the court she viewed the letter as an apology for the alleged abuse.

Donaldson, 63, faces 18 charges including rape, gross indecency and indecent assault alleged to have occurred between 1985 and 2008. He has pleaded not guilty.

His wife Eleanor Donaldson faces a trial of the facts on five charges of aiding and abetting after being found medically unfit to stand trial. Judge Paul Ramsey is presiding. The trial is scheduled to last three to four weeks.