A JUDGE HAS said he “hopes” the trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Eleanor Donaldson can proceed in November.

It comes after a brief hearing this morning was told that Eleanor is due to undergo a further medical assessment later this month.

The trial had previously been due to start in March, but was delayed because of Eleanor Donaldson’s ill health.

A new trial date has been set for 3 November and at a hearing last month, the judge stressed that the trial should not be delayed again.

Last month, the case was mentioned briefly at Belfast Crown for an update on an assessment over whether Eleanor Donaldson is currently fit to stand trial.

Ian Turkington KC, who represents Eleanor Donaldson, said last month that his client was examined by a consultant psychiatrist on 18 July.

At a brief hearing this morning in Newry Crown Court, Northern Ireland Public Prosecution Service barrister Rosemary Walsh KC said a “particular issue has arisen” and that the “input of a further professional” to assist with her assessment has been requested.

Judge Paul Ramsey noted that this assessment will take place “very close” to the current trial date of 3 November and asked that “we try to preserve the trial”.

Meanwhile, Ian Turkington KC, who represents Eleanor Donaldson, said he is “doing everything we can as quickly as we can to complete the medical picture”.

He requested a further review at the start of October to “see where we all are”.

Turkington added: “We have sought the expert opinion of a neurologist and we have an appointment on 27 September.”

He said he “hopes” to have a report “towards the end of October”.

Walsh asked for a review on 10 October and Judge Ramsey remarked that he “appreciates” the work being done to “ensure all these aspects are being looked at fully”.

He expressed hope that on 10 October, “we will be in a position to give a distinct view on whether this can proceed in November”.

Jeffrey Donaldson, 62, who did not attend the hearing in Newry today, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences.

The charges include one count of rape as well as allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency.

These alleged incidents span a time period between 1985 and 2008, and there are two alleged victims.

Eleanor Donaldson, 59, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, who also did not attend court, is facing charges of aiding and abetting, which she denies.

Jeffrey Donaldson, the long-standing MP for Lagan Valley was arrested and charged at the end of March , 2024.

He resigned as DUP leader and was suspended from the party after the allegations emerged.

Weeks before his arrest, he had led the DUP back into Stormont after a two-year boycott of the powersharing institutions.

Previous deputy leader Gavin Robinson was appointed as his successor in the DUP leadership.