Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and wife's sex abuse court cases to be heard at same time

A judge has ruled that a trial of facts against Lady Eleanor Donaldson will happen as part of the trial of her husband, the former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.

It will begin next Tuesday with jury selection at Newry Crown Court.

The couple have pleaded not guilty to a combined 23 sex abuse charges involving two alleged victims.

Judge Paul Ramsey's decision followed legal argument on whether the cases should be split and heard separately at different points in time.

However, he decided they would happen "simultaneously".