Lady Donaldson 'aware' of alleged sex abuse incident involving bright light, court hears
Lady Donaldson 'aware' of alleged sex abuse incident involving bright light, court hears 3 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Lyndsey Telford BBC News NI, at Newry Crown Court PA Media Lady Donaldson, pictured here in February 2025, is facing a trial of facts on five charges of aiding and abetting The jury in the sex abuse trial of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has heard claims from one of the alleged victims that the accused's wife was made aware of an alleged incident involving a bright light being shone on her private parts. During cross-examination of the younger of the two alleged victims, known as Complainant A, Lady Eleanor Donaldson's barrister said his client had "raised the matter" with Sir Jeffrey. The complainant had been referring to an alleged encounter in which she claimed Sir Jeffrey used a bright light, possibly a torch, to look at her genital area. Sir Jeffrey, a former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), denies 18 sex abuse charges, including one count of rape. Lady Donaldson denies five charges related to aiding and abetting. She faces a trial of the facts after she was previously deemed unfit to face a conventional trial on mental health grounds, and is therefore not participating in proceedings. The jury at Newry Crown Court heard claims that Complainant A told Lady Donaldson about the alleged incident involving a bright light. The complainant said Lady Donaldson later raised the issue with her "to ask if I was telling the truth". She said: "I knew by the look on her face she knew I was telling the truth. "Why would I make something like that up? I had no motive. Once she identified I was telling the truth, she did nothing about it." Lady Donaldson's barrister Ian Turkington KC put it to the complainant that Lady Donaldson did ask Sir Jeffrey about the alleged incident. Complainant A claimed she also informed Lady Donaldson of a separate alleged incident in which she said Sir Jeffrey kissed her. She said she told Lady Donaldson that Sir Jeffrey had "put his tongue in my mouth" and "moved his tongue around my mouth". The complainant said the matter was "laughed off" by both the defendants as "just a joke". "I can guarantee you I was not laughing at all," the complainant said. Sir Jeffrey denies acts of gross indecency and indecent assault against Complainant A when she was a child, between 1999 and 2008. Other alleged offences, dating back to 1985, including a charge of rape, relate to a second woman, Complainant B, when she was also a child. The trial continues. Northern Ireland Sir Jeffrey Donaldson
Is it truly shocking that a woman accused of aiding and abetting sexual abuse would be aware of such an incident? It just goes to show how aware we really need to be of these things.
Is it truly shocking that a woman accused of aiding and abetting sexual abuse would be aware of such an incident? It just goes to show how aware we really need to be of these things.
Its outrageous that Lady Donaldson knew about the alleged sexual abuse incident and chose to do nothing. Her silence speaks volumes about her priorities and the lack of accountability in society. We need leaders who stand up for justice, not ignore it. #LadyDonaldson #Accountability #JusticeForVictims
Wow, its crucial that Lady Donaldson acknowledges her role in awareness and response. Lets hope this incident serves as a wake-up call for all of us to be more vigilant and proactive in addressing these issues. #TechOptimism #AwarenessIsPower
Its deeply troubling that Lady Donaldson chose silence over action in this case. Her awareness of the alleged abuse and subsequent inaction reflect a concerning lack of accountability and empathy. It highlights the urgent need for a culture that prioritizes victims rights and justice over political considerations. #JusticeForVictims #Accountability
Given the gravity of the allegations, its crucial to explore all aspects of Lady Donaldsons knowledge and actions. Was she truly unaware, or was her silence driven by fear or other factors? Understanding these dynamics is vital for justice and accountability. #LadyDonaldson #JeffreyDonaldson #Justice
Its alarming that Lady Donaldson knew about the alleged sexual abuse incident and chose to remain silent. Her silence speaks volumes about her priorities and the lack of accountability in society. We need to demand better from those in positions of power and hold them accountable for their actions. #LadyDonaldson #Accountability #Society
Absolutely, it highlights the need for constant vigilance and education on all fronts. #TechOptimist #Awareness