Judge 'very firm' on wanting Donaldson trial to go ahead in three weeks

A judge has said he would be "extremely disappointed" if the trial of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson does not go ahead in three weeks' time.

The couple deny a combined total of 23 charges related to alleged historical sex abuse.

Judge Paul Ramsey has set another pre-trial review hearing for 19 May, when final reports on Mrs Donaldson's health will be considered.

The trial of the former DUP leader and his wife is due to be held at Newry Crown Court on 26 May.

Judge Ramsey told a short hearing this morning that he was "very firm" on wanting the trial to go ahead as scheduled, and that remained his expectation.

He accepted that the public might be concerned by any delay, but added there was "genuine medical evidence" to be considered.

He said it was in the interest of all parties that the trial should commence.

Mrs Donaldson's lawyer stated her "medical picture is presently less than clear" and it would be "foolish" to speculate.

"Let's see where the medical evidence takes us," he added.

A previous hearing was told the trial by jury is expected to last up to four weeks.

Sir Jeffrey, 63, is accused of 18 offences allegedly committed between 1985 and 2008, including one count of rape.

Lady Donaldson, 59, faces five charges relating to aiding and abetting.

Neither defendant was required to attend today's hearing, nor do they have to appear on 19 May.

The couple were arrested at their County Down home two years ago.