DUP in the headlines as Jeff Donaldson’s wife Eleanor is ruled unfit to stand trial over historic sex-offence charges—pause for courtroom drama. Jeff: veteran leader, founded 1971.
The former Democratic Unionist Party leader, Jeffrey Donaldson, is standing trial in Newry Crown Court on 18 charges spanning 1985 to 2008, including a rape count. His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, faces separate charges. Both deny the allegations as the case proceeds.
A 30-year-old Sudanese national has been charged with attempted murder after a man in his 40s was stabbed in Belfast. The suspect remains in custody as police investigate amid protests tied to immigration tensions in the UK. The Home Office says the attacker arrived in the UK in 2023 and was granted refugee status; officials say there is no record of prior security alerts.
Protests in Belfast — sparked by a knife attack in which a Sudanese national is charged with attempted murder — have erupted into violence across multiple districts. Rioters have set vehicles and buildings alight, with police deploying water cannon and crews working to protect residents amid rising tensions tied to immigration debates.
Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency. The trial at Newry Crown Court continues, with two allegedly harmed individuals giving evidence about abuse dating from 1985 to 2008.
Protesters in Belfast torch vehicles and buildings after a Sudanese man is arrested for a knife attack that left a man severely injured. Police declare a critical incident and call for calm as political leaders condemn the violence.