2 hours ago Just now
Julian O'NeillCrime and justness correspondent, BBC News NI
PA Media
The justice successful the enactment maltreatment proceedings of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has sent the assemblage retired to see their verdicts.
Judge Paul Ramsey spent astir 2 hours summing up the lawsuit connected Thursday greeting earlier instructing the 7 men and 5 women to statesman their deliberations astatine 13:20 BST.
The erstwhile Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) person has pleaded not blameworthy to 18 charges, including 1 number of rape, arising from allegations helium sexually abused 2 women erstwhile they were children.
The proceedings astatine Newry Crown Court is successful its 4th week.
His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, denies 5 charges of aiding and abetting his alleged offending.
Earlier, the justice told the assemblage that the proceedings was present "reaching the closing stages".
He said jurors indispensable beryllium satisfied that the prosecution had proven the lawsuit against Sir Jeffrey beyond tenable uncertainty earlier they could convict.
He added: "Only wherever you are satisfied beyond tenable uncertainty tin you convict … that is the law."
Sir Jeffrey, wearing a acheronian suit and a pinkish tie, sat successful the dock with his arms folded portion the justice delivered his remarks.
The alleged victims, Complainants A and B, person some fixed grounds astatine the trial.
Sir Jeffrey besides testified implicit 2 days.
The Donaldsons were arrested astatine their County Down location and charged connected 28 March 2024.
Sir Jeffrey, 63, is accused of rape, 4 counts of gross indecency and 13 counts of indecent assault.
The offences allegedly occurred betwixt 1985 and 2008.
At a pre-trial proceeding past month, Lady Donaldson, 60, was declared unfit for a accepted proceedings connected intelligence wellness grounds.
She has not participated successful proceedings and alternatively is undergoing a proceedings of the facts successful her absence.
The assemblage volition determine if she committed the acts alleged, but it cannot effect successful a transgression conviction.
English (US)·