Jeffrey Donaldson, a former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader, denies allegations discussed at his historical sexual offences trial at Newry Crown Court. Multiple reports state that the prosecution is cross-examining Donaldson about a meeting he allegedly had with an accuser in the 1990s. The court hears that Donaldson denies he attended any such meeting and disputes the account of the witness, who characterises the purpose of the meeting as being to “nip in the bud” abuse claims.
According to the reports, Donaldson tells the court the witness is mistaken in his recollection and that he does not accept the prosecution’s version of events. The proceedings are described as part of a broader trial into historical allegations, with the prosecution barrister continuing cross-examination. The Irish Times and Irish Independent frame Donaldson’s position as a denial of both attendance and the context attributed to the meeting, while the Irish Mirror similarly reports that barrister Rosemary Walsh KC continues questioning him on the disputed 1990s meeting.
