Jury begins deliberations in Donaldson's trial on 18 sex abuse charges

The jury in Jeffrey Donaldson's trial began deliberations on 17 June 2026 after the judge's summation. The former Democratic Unionist Party leader faces 18 charges, including rape, relating to historical alleged conduct. Donaldson pleaded not guilty to all counts in September 2024. A verdict could emerge within days, though complex multi-count trials typically require extended deliberations. The outcome carries weight for Northern Ireland's unionist politics but does not address Donaldson's role in major negotiations including the Good Friday Agreement and Windsor Framework.