Closing arguments in the trial of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson began on Tuesday with the prosecution urging the jury to convict the former DUP leader on 18 sexual offence charges. Rosemary Walsh KC told Newry Crown Court that the two complainants had no reason to fabricate allegations spanning 1985 to 2008.

Donaldson, 63, of Dromore, Co Down, denies one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault, and four counts of gross indecency. The charges involve two women, Complainant A and Complainant B, who allege they were abused as children.

His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, 60, also of Dromore, denies five counts of aiding and abetting. She is facing a trial of the facts after being found unfit for a conventional trial on medical grounds.

Ms Walsh told the jury of seven men and five women that the complainants’ pain and hurt remained visible. Both women had suppressed memories for years before reaching turning points that led them to contact police in 2024.

The barrister emphasised that the women had no motive to lie. She said the decision to come forward was made knowing the personal cost, and the process had been long and arduous.

Ms Walsh highlighted a meeting at a Christian centre in Armoy, Co Antrim, in the 1990s. She described it as having the potential to be explosive, and said Donaldson took control and shut down questions about an allegation.

She also referred to an incident where Complainant A alleges Donaldson used a light to look at her genitals. Lady Donaldson was told but the matter was brushed aside, Ms Walsh said. A letter written by Donaldson to Complainant A in 2020, containing references to a deep pit of sin and deep wounds, was described by the prosecution as highly significant.

Ms Walsh said that during a second alleged incident, Complainant B recalled Donaldson’s laboured breathing and hoped he would stop. The barrister argued that the meeting at the Christian centre showed Donaldson was willing to lie.

The prosecution’s closing speech lasted nearly three hours. Defence lawyers are expected to deliver their closing submissions next, with the process likely to conclude by Wednesday. The judge will then direct the jury before they retire to consider verdicts.