Achi news desk-
The former DUP leader and his common-law wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson are due to appear at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for their first appearance in what is set to be a long drawn-out process.
Speculations that given the defendant’s condition the case could be moved forward quickly were rejected.
Mr. Donaldson faces a single charge of rape and several others of sexual abuse. His wife is accused of assisting in several of the crimes attributed to him.
It has been suggested by several sources that the trial could take place before Christmas.
But with the courts grappling with a huge backlog of cases, legal sources have suggested it could be autumn 2025 before a criminal trial can be scheduled.
“There’s no way it will go to trial before Christmas. It’s going to be a long, slow process and there’s still a lot to do,” a legal source said.
“I would say it would be Christmas next year, and even then, it would be a long shot,” our source said.
The source, who has knowledge of the case against Mr Donaldson, said the Lagan Valley MP had not wavered from his position of vigorously denying the allegations, but added: “He is fully aware of the difficulties he now faces.”
It is understood that the police investigation was led by a specialist team of detectives from the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch.
He handles all historical sexual assault inquiries. And recent data published by the police reveal only six percent success in cases.
Lady Eleanor and Sir Geoffrey Donaldson
Meanwhile, all eyes are on the court in Newry this week, where Mr and Mrs Donaldson are due to appear.
As it stands, they are forced to participate in person which will generate enormous public and media attention.
The PSNI will need to carry out a significant security operation.
The court hearing will attract enormous media attention and the courtroom is expected to be packed with members of the public wishing to follow the proceedings. Usually in the Magistrate’s Courts the only police officers present will be those involved in the criminal cases before the court.
Both the PSNI and the Courts Service declined to comment when asked if special arrangements had been made for Wednesday’s hearing. However, given the high profile of the Donaldson case, there are expected to be heightened security arrangements at the hearing.
This is despite the fact that there is still no official confirmation that Sir Geoffrey and his wife will appear before the court on Wednesday.
Every week, the Northern Ireland Courts Service (NICS) uploads online its court timetable for the coming weeks.
The list of the accused who are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court in Nyori on April 24 was published online at the beginning of the month.
As of yesterday, there are 87 cases due to come before Newry on Wednesday – but neither Sir Geoffrey (61) nor his 57-year-old wife are among those listed.
The PSNI was asked on Friday why their cases had not yet been added to the list.
A PSNI spokesman said court lists can be updated up to three days before a court sitting.
“We cannot provide any further information at this time,” the spokesman added.
There is still a chance that Donaldson will ask to appear via video link, which will save the PSNI a major headache.
If they went down the video link route, they would have to appear at their legal representative’s offices, which would require Sir Geoffrey to leave his London flat.
In Mr Donaldson’s case it will be with veteran Bainbridge barrister John McBurney.
Mrs. Donaldson will be represented by a separate law firm.
The Donaldsons were arrested at their home in Dromore before 7am on March 28, before being taken to Antrim Remand Suite where they were charged.
The DUP issued a statement the following day saying Mr Donaldson had resigned as party leader following his arrest.
It is understood that Mr Donaldson, who has indicated he will deny the alleged offences, faces one count of rape, one count of gross indecency and a number of counts of indecency.
His wife was charged with aiding and abetting in relation to that police investigation.
The couple are not allowed to contact each other as part of their bail conditions and have not been seen in public since their arrest, with Mr Donaldson in London and Lady Eleanor hanging out at the family home in Dromore.
It is unlikely that the Donaldsons will be required to enter a plea on Wednesday because there is an ongoing investigation and it is unlikely, though possible, that the prosecution will be ready to formally indict the accused.
Wednesday’s court date is the first step in that process. This is an opportunity for PPS to brief the court on the progress of the case. It will likely be short, with a new date set for further review.
When the couple eventually appear before the court for their first appearance, a decision will be made as to whether their cases will remain in the Magistrate’s Court or will be sent to the Crown Court.
This decision is often based on the seriousness of the alleged offense.
Less serious offenses such as driving offenses or public order offenses can usually only be tried in the Magistrate’s Court.
The most serious offenses such as rape or murder can only be tried in the Crown Court.
At the hearing, a decision will also be made on whether the Donaldsons will remain on bail.
Despite the seriousness of the charges, legal sources said they would be allowed to remain on bail given their clear records.
If, as expected, they are released on continuing bail, conditions will be set by the court which could include defendants being told to surrender their passports or report to a police station on a regular basis.
It is also possible to post a bond by which a person promises to pay a certain amount of money to the court if the accused does not show up for the following hearings in court.
If, as expected, the Donaldsons appear before Newry Crown Court on Wednesday, they will be sharing the courtroom with a wide range of alleged criminals.
This includes people facing charges of arson, theft, drunk driving and domestic violence.
Several dissident Republicans accused of attending the march without notice are also due in the same court on Wednesday.
