Jury sworn in at trial of Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex offences

The jury in Jeffrey Donaldson’s trial for alleged sex offences has been sworn in, launching one of the most high-profile trials in recent Northern Irish history. The former MP and Democratic Unionist party leader entered Newry crown court on Tuesday amid a heavy police and media presence for a trial that is expected to last about four weeks. Donaldson, 63, is accused of rape, gross indecency and other sexual offences spanning 21 years. His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, 60, is charged with aiding and abetting rape and indecent assault and will face a trial of facts. They deny the charges. Wearing a blue suit with white shirt and green tie, Donaldson sat in the dock with his arms crossed and was flanked by two court staff. Asked by the trial judge, Paul Ramsey, if he was ready, Donaldson replied “yes”. The judge told potential jurors that Donaldson was well known in public life and was entitled to the same fair trial as anyone else. After being sworn in, the jury was told the prosecution would begin its opening address on Wednesday. Donaldson is charged with 18 offences involving two alleged victims. The rape charge alleges he had unlawful sexual intercourse with the alleged victim without her consent on a date unknown between 1985 and 1991. Nine allegations of indecent assault span 1985 to 2006. He is also charged with committing an act of gross indecency towards a child between 2005 and 2006. His wife faces five charges relating to aiding and abetting his alleged offending. …