Julian O’NeillCrime and justice correspondent, BBC News NI
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The trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson on charges of alleged sex abuse has begun, with the selection of a jury at Newry Crown Court.
The 63-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all 18 charges he faces, including one count of rape.
At the same time, his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, faces a trial of the facts on related charges of aiding and abetting, which she has denied.
The trial is expected to last four weeks.
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The Donaldsons were arrested at their County Down home and charged on 28 March 2024.
Sir Jeffrey, 63, resigned as DUP leader the next day and did not contest his Lagan Valley seat at the general election four months later.
He is accused of rape, four counts of gross indecency and 13 counts of indecent assault.
The offences allegedly occurred between 1985 and 2008.
There are two alleged victims.
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The trial was postponed on two occasions last year because of Lady Donaldson’s health.
At a hearing last week, Judge Paul Ramsey declared the 60-year-old unfit for a conventional trial under the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order.
Under a trial of the facts, she will not participate in proceedings.
Last month, the Northern Ireland Attorney General, Dame Brenda King, issued a warning about social media posts.
She said people could be found in contempt of court, punishable by up to two years imprisonment, for comments which prejudice proceedings.
“Further, it is a criminal offence to identify the complainants, who must remain anonymous,” she said in a statement.
The police also advised people against publishing “speculation” online, or anything which could “directly or indirectly” identify the complainants.
