Court hears sexual assault trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson

Former Northern Ireland Democratic Unionist Party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson faces 18 sexual assault charges in court, including one rape allegation. An alleged victim testified that she should have reported the alleged crimes earlier.

A high-profile trial is currently taking place in Belfast in which former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is accused of 18 sexual assault offences, including one rape. Donaldson denies all charges against him.

Alleged victims gave testimony in court, with one noting that she should have reported the alleged crimes earlier. This statement has attracted widespread public attention and debate during the trial regarding victim support and the reporting of crimes.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was one of Northern Ireland's most influential politicians until March 2024, having led the DUP between 2021 and 2024. He stepped down as party leader following the charges becoming public. Donaldson is a long-serving MP who represented Lagan Valley in the UK Parliament.

The trial is taking place in the Belfast High Court and has attracted extensive media coverage both in the UK and internationally, given the high political position of the accused.