Former Democratic Unionist Party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is on trial at Newry Crown Court charged with 18 historical sexual offences, including one count of rape. During the trial, the court hears that Donaldson wrote a letter to “Witness A,” a woman who alleges he sexually abused her when she was a child. The letter, dated June 2020, is described as expressing regret for “hurt and pain” and distress caused, and as asking for forgiveness and taking “full responsibility” for his actions. Sources also report that Donaldson’s letter used religious language, including references to “sinful and selfish actions,” seeking help from God and saying he would “pray” for the woman.
The witness tells the court she interpreted the letter as being related to the abuse allegations. A recorded interview from March 2024 is also shown in which Witness A recounts two main alleged incidents, including that inappropriate touching became “a very casual thing.” Donaldson denies all charges and his legal team tells the court the letter is not connected to the allegations, with one barrister stating the comments had “nothing to do” with the accusations and referred to other behaviour.
