Eleanor Donaldson Appeals Trial of the Facts Verdict

Eleanor Donaldson has applied to appeal the verdict from her trial of the facts, which found that she had carried out acts connected to all five charges brought against her.

The Northern Ireland Courts Service confirmed on Thursday that her legal team had lodged an application for leave to appeal with the Court of Appeal.

Four of the five charges involved allegations that Donaldson aided and abetted offences committed by her husband, former Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson.

Jeffrey Donaldson was found guilty of 18 sexual offences, including rape, involving two women when they were children. He has denied the allegations and is also pursuing an appeal against his convictions.

Eleanor Donaldson did not face a conventional criminal trial because she was previously found unfit to stand trial on mental health grounds. Instead, she faced a trial of the facts, a legal process used to determine whether the alleged acts were committed when a defendant is unable to undergo a normal trial.

Her trial took place alongside her husband’s proceedings at Newry Crown Court during May and June.

Unlike a conventional criminal conviction, a finding in a trial of the facts does not result in a prison sentence. However, the court can impose measures including a treatment order or an absolute discharge.

The judge who presided over Donaldson’s trial is expected to decide what order, if any, should be made against her in October.

The appeal application will now be considered by the Court of Appeal, which will determine whether permission to appeal should be granted.

The case has attracted significant attention in Northern Ireland because of Jeffrey Donaldson’s former position as leader of the DUP and his subsequent conviction for serious sexual offences. His legal team lodged its own appeal against his convictions in July.

Jeffrey Donaldson’s conviction followed a trial at Newry Crown Court in which a jury found him guilty of 18 offences involving two victims who were children at the time. The offences included one count of rape as well as gross indecency and indecent assault.

The legal proceedings involving the couple have remained separate, with Eleanor Donaldson’s trial of the facts taking place because of the court’s earlier finding regarding her fitness to stand trial.

Her appeal application means the legal process concerning the allegations against her will continue while the court considers whether there are grounds for a further hearing.