THE HISTORICAL SEXUAL offences trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson is “on track” to begin on 26 May, a judge has said.

Judge Paul Ramsey told Newry Crown Court he is hopeful the process of swearing a jury in the case will begin on that date.

Proceedings against Donaldson and his wife Eleanor Donaldson have been delayed twice due to medical issues related to her.

Jeffrey Donaldson (63) has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences.

The charges include one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency, and span a time period between 1985 and 2008, involving two alleged victims.

Eleanor Donaldson (60), of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, is facing charges of aiding and abetting, which she denies.

Neither of the Donaldsons attended today’s hearing in Newry courthouse.

During the brief hearing, the judge said the court had received a report relating to Eleanor Donaldson which would require some legal argument.

The judge said: “We are on track to commence the case next Tuesday.”

Prosecuting barrister Rosemary Walsh KC said the timeline worked “as far as the prosecution is concerned”.

Defence barristers also indicated they hoped to be in a position to begin the case next week.

The judge said he hoped to make a start on swearing the jury in on Tuesday.

Jeffrey Donaldson, a former 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.