A bid by Eleanor Donaldson to have two charges withdrawn in the historical sex offences case facing her and her former DUP leader husband has been rejected.
The couple were arrested and subsequently charged with a number of historical offences last March.
Jeffrey Donaldson (62) was initially charged with 11 offences, while Mrs Donaldson (58) was charged with four aiding and abetting offences.
After the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) considered the police evidence in the case, a further seven charges were laid against Mr Donaldson, while Mrs Donaldson had one further charge added.
Last week, Judge Paul Ramsey heard a no-bill application in relation to two charges facing Eleanor Donaldson.
A no-bill application refers to the authority of a judge to dismiss a case before trial if the defence can show that the evidence presented does not sufficiently establish a prima facie case against the accused.
Evidence presented to Judge Ramsey at last week’s hearing cannot be reported at this time, pending the full hearing of the case.
During a brief hearing today, Judge Ramsey rejected Mrs Donaldson’s application, meaning the charges will now proceed to a full trial.
Counsel for Mrs Donaldson, Ian Turkington KC, told the court that Mrs Donaldson was not present as she was unwell.
No further details were given on Mrs Donaldson’s illness due to privacy.
Jeffrey Donaldson leaving court last week. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
A request to have the judgment postponed was declined by the judge, with prosecution counsel Rosemary Walsh KC noting that a ruling was needed as soon as possible.
After the no-bill application was rejected, Mr Turkington informed the court that Mrs Donaldson would be entering not-guilty pleas to the two charges.
The defendant has already entered not-guilty pleas to three charges before her.
The 18 charges Jeffrey Donaldson is facing comprise one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency and 13 counts of indecent assault.
Mr Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him and was not required to be present in court for the hearing.
The long-standing MP for Lagan Valley was arrested and charged on March 28, 2024.
Mr Donaldson resigned as DUP leader the following day and was suspended from the party after the allegations emerged.
Weeks before his arrest, he had led the DUP back into Stormont after a two-year boycott of the power-sharing institutions.
Previous deputy leader Gavin Robinson was appointed his successor as DUP chief.
Mr Donaldson is represented by Kieran Vaughan KC, one of the UK’s top criminal defence barristers.
Mr Vaughan, who has acted in many high-profile cases in England and Northern Ireland over a 22-year career, will be heading up Mr Donaldson’s legal team.
The trial is due to get underway on March 24.