The trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife for alleged sex offences is to be delayed because of illness.
The couple's trial was scheduled to begin on 24 March, but a lawyer for Eleanor Donaldson told Newry Crown Court she is medically unfit.
Judge Paul Ramsey granted an adjournment application and removed the original trial date from the court list. He will review the situation on 16 May.
Ms Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to three charges of aiding and abetting her husband.
She was not able to attend a court hearing two weeks ago due to illness when her lawyer told the court she will also be pleading not guilty to two other charges.
Mr Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to 18 charges including one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency and 13 charges of indecent assault.
The offences are alleged to have occurred between 1985 and 2008 and involve two alleged victims.
The court was today told that medical evidence has been submitted by Ms Donaldson’s doctor stating that she is unfit to stand trial and is waiting to be seen by a specialist.
No details of the condition were given, but it was described as challenging.
A lawyer for the Public Prosecution Service said there is concern about the possible impact of any delay on the two complainants in the case.
Describing them was vulnerable, the barrister said they will be "emotionally affected and upset" and asked the judge to keep the matter under constant review.
But the PPS said it accepted the medical evidence at face value and was not in a position to rebut it.
Stating that it was obvious that the trial could not proceed on the scheduled start date, Judge Ramsey agreed to remove it and review the matter on 16 May.
