Court hears police recording of alleged victim in former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson sexual abuse trial

A police interview with an alleged victim was presented to the court during the sexual abuse trial of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party. Donaldson faces 18 charges of sexual misconduct, which he denies entirely.

The trial of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in Northern Ireland, continued as the court heard a police-recorded interview with an alleged rape victim. Donaldson faces 18 charges of sexual misconduct.

The former parliamentarian denies all accusations against him. The trial has attracted widespread attention across the UK, as Donaldson was one of Northern Ireland's most influential politicians before his arrest.

Donaldson stepped down from his role as DUP leader in March 2024, shortly before the charges became public. The hearings are taking place in Belfast, and the trial is expected to be lengthy and complex.