A sexual offences trial against former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson begins in Newry. The defendant appears in court as the process moves to jury selection and, in parallel, the prosecution prepares to open its case. Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to all 18 charges he faces, which include one count of rape, according to multiple reports. Court reporting also indicates the trial is expected to hear from witnesses whose testimony will involve recalling “traumatic incidents,” as the proceedings get under way. The prosecution’s case is set to open after the court process begins, with the allegations covering sexual misconduct offences brought against Donaldson. Subsequent updates note the trial continues with the evidence stage moving forward, including reports of a second day of evidence. Across outlets, there is agreement on the core procedural developments—jury selection and the prosecution opening—as well as on the defendant’s position: he denies all 18 charges.