Newry Crown Court has heard that the mental health of Lady Eleanor Donaldson is deteriorating, as she and her husband stand trial in relation to alleged sex offences.
Lady Eleanor, 59, is the wife of former DUP leader and Christian, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, aged 62.
Last year, Northern Ireland’s longest-serving MP stepped down as DUP leader shortly before his arrest in relation to 18 counts of alleged sexual abuse, spanning 1985 to 2008. The charges concern two victims, including one count of rape and allegations of gross indecency and assault. Lady Eleanor denies charges of aiding and abetting her husband.
Judge Paul Ramsey received three reports into Lady Eleanor’s mental state at a hearing originally scheduled for March this year, which was postponed due to her mental condition.
While Lady Eleanor attended the hearing, Sir Jeffrey did not.
Her barrister told the court: “We have put that medical evidence in place and sadly you will see there has been a significant mental deterioration. Those aren’t my words, those are the words you’ll see from the consultant psychiatrist.
“What we don’t have is any assessment in relation to her capacity [to stand trial], that is really the next step.”
Judge Ramsey said he would review Lady Eleanor’s health at the start of the next legal term, on 1st August.
A new trial date has been scheduled for 3rd November.