Jeffrey Donaldson’s letter to alleged victim had ‘nothing to do’ with abuse claims, trial hears

Court evidence

At Newry crown court, the defence for Jeffrey Donaldson argued that a 2020 letter he wrote to the complainant, known as Witness A, was not linked to the abuse allegations now before the court. His barrister said the woman was wrong to connect the letter to the alleged sexual offences and suggested it referred to other behaviour.

Witness A told the jury that the letter read like an apology for what he had done over many years. She said Donaldson was careful with his wording, would not write out the alleged abuse directly, but could still imply guilt and shame. The court previously heard that Donaldson described himself in the letter as a “sinner” who had not dealt with his “sinful nature” for many years and would regret it for the rest of his life.

The defence also challenged parts of Witness A’s account. Counsel pointed to differences between what she told police and what she told the jury about how Donaldson allegedly touched her, including whether it was over clothing or under clothing, and disputed her description of him leaning over her with a light to see her private parts. She said she remained confused but stood by her account.

The jury also heard why she waited until March 2024 to make a formal complaint. She said the decision was difficult because it would become a very public case involving media attention.

Donaldson, 63, faces 18 charges, including rape, covering allegations said to span from 1985 to 2008 and involving two complainants. His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, is separately charged with aiding and abetting rape and indecent assault. Both deny the charges. She has been found unfit to stand trial on mental health grounds and faces a trial of the facts instead.