The trial of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), is set to commence with jury selection at Newry Crown Court. Donaldson, aged 63, faces 18 charges, including one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency, and 13 counts of indecent assault, all of which he denies. The alleged offences reportedly occurred between 1985 and 2008 and involve two victims. His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, is also implicated, facing a trial of the facts on related charges of aiding and abetting, which she has denied. The trial is anticipated to last approximately four weeks. The Donaldsons were arrested at their home in County Down and charged on March 28, 2024. Following the charges, Donaldson resigned as DUP leader and did not contest his seat in the general election. The trial has faced delays due to Lady Donaldson's health, leading to a ruling that she is unfit for a conventional trial. Additionally, the Northern Ireland Attorney General, Dame Brenda King, has cautioned the public against social media posts that could prejudice the trial, warning that such actions could result in contempt of court charges.