During a brief hearing at Newry Crown Court on Monday, Judge Paul Ramsey vacated the trial date of November 3Jeffrey Donaldson and wife Eleanor arrive at Newry Court for the Preliminary Enquiry on July 3Jeffrey Donaldson and wife Eleanor arrive at Newry Court for the Preliminary Enquiry on July 3(Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)

The trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Lady Donaldson on charges relating to alleged historical sex offences is to be delayed, a judge has confirmed.

During a brief hearing at Newry Crown Court on Monday, Judge Paul Ramsey vacated the trial date of November 3 after receiving updates on reports relating to Eleanor Donaldson’s health.

The judge said it now looked as if the trial would take place in 2026. Jeffrey Donaldson, 62, who did not attend the hearing, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences.

The charges include one count of rape as well as allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency.

The charges span a time period between 1985 and 2008, and there are two alleged victims.

Eleanor Donaldson, 59, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, who also did not attend court, is facing charges of aiding and abetting, which she denies.

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