Donaldson Sex Abuse Trial Receives Police Interview from Alleged Rape Victim

The jury in the trial of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has listened to a video recording of a police interview conducted with a woman accusing him of raping and indecently assaulting her during her childhood. Known in the proceedings as Complainant B, she is one of two women who have leveled sexual abuse charges against the former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader. Her statement was given to authorities weeks prior to the arrest of both Sir Jeffrey and his wife in March 2024.

Ten of the eighteen sexual abuse counts he denies are linked to Complainant B, with the alleged offenses occurring between 1985 and 1991.

Warning: This report contains details that some readers may find distressing

The 75-minute Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) interview was presented at Newry Crown Court on Tuesday morning. During the recording, Complainant B became tearful at times, and her speech was occasionally difficult to hear. In the interview, she alleged that Sir Jeffrey frequently placed his hands inside her underwear.

Regarding the alleged rape incident, which she stated occurred when she was of primary school age, Complainant B described how Sir Jeffrey reportedly positioned his feet between hers and then separated her legs. She noted that his breathing was heavy and that he was panting. She recounted feeling a sensation that was "different" and "something I'd never felt before."

Describing her reaction at the time, Complainant B told detectives: "I hated it yet I thought if I pretend to be asleep he'll just stop and lose interest. I thought what's the point in shouting." She added that she felt "really sick" and "anxious" the following day.

Additionally, Complainant B recalled another incident where she claimed Sir Jeffrey lifted her top and "played" with her breasts. She asserted that Lady Eleanor Donaldson witnessed this act but chose to walk away.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson also denies charges of gross indecency and indecent assault against Complainant A, allegedly committed between 1999 and 2008 when she was a child. His wife, Lady Donaldson, denies five counts of aiding and abetting. She is not participating in the proceedings as she is undergoing a trial of the facts due to being deemed unfit for a conventional trial on mental health grounds.

The trial continues.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-02 12:10:52 UTC