Defence closes its case in Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's sex abuse trial

The defence in the trial of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has closed its case.

The jury at Newry Crown Court was told by Kieran Vaughan KC, representing the former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader, that he had no further evidence to offer.

Sir Jeffrey, 63, who gave evidence for two days last week, was the only witness called in his defence.

He denies 18 sex abuse charges, including one count of rape, allegedly committed between 1985 and 2008.

Monday's hearing was largely taken up by legal argument.

The jury of seven men and five women were told that closing speeches by lawyers will begin tomorrow, starting with the prosecution.

Lawyers for Sir Jeffrey and Lady Eleanor Donaldson will follow and are expected to conclude by Wednesday.

The judge, Paul Ramsey, will then sum up the case and direct the jury on Thursday.

There are two alleged victims in the case, known as Complainant A and Complainant B.

Sir Jeffrey denies acts of gross indecency and indecent assault against Complainant A when she was a child, between 1999 and 2008.

He also denies other alleged offences dating back to 1985, including a charge of rape, against Complainant B.

Lady Donaldson, 60, denies five charges of aiding and abetting.

Her lawyer, Ian Turkington KC, offered no evidence in respect of her defence.

She is facing a trial of the facts after she was previously deemed unfit to face a conventional trial on mental health grounds, and is therefore not participating in proceedings.

The trial continues.