Prosecutors Detail 18 Abuse Charges Against Jeffrey Donaldson as Trial Hears 2 Childhood Accusers
Updated
Updated · The Irish Times · May 27
Prosecutors Detail 18 Abuse Charges Against Jeffrey Donaldson as Trial Hears 2 Childhood Accusers
3 articles · Updated · The Irish Times · May 27
Summary
Newry Crown Court heard prosecutors outline allegations that Jeffrey Donaldson abused two girls from about age 7 to 13, including one alleged rape and repeated indecent assaults.
Complainant B told police Donaldson was "always silent" during abuse, recalling one alleged rape while she pretended to sleep and a separate incident in which Eleanor Donaldson allegedly walked in and left.
Complainant A's account described frequent touching that had become "a very casual thing," plus a vivid memory of waking to a light, exposed and without underwear, with Donaldson allegedly looking at her.
Donaldson, 63, denies all 18 charges spanning 1987 to 2008, including rape, four counts of gross indecency and 13 of indecent assault; prosecutors said jurors will also hear his and his wife's police denials.
Eleanor Donaldson, 60, is charged with five counts of aiding and abetting but has been ruled medically unfit to stand trial, so a concurrent trial of the facts is proceeding instead.