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Woman claims she told Eleanor Donaldson about abuse incident

Jeffrey Donaldson arriving at Newry Crown Court on 1 June
Jeffrey Donaldson pictured arriving at Newry Crown Court

A woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson claims she told the former MP's wife about a second incident of abuse.

Newry Crown Court has been continuing to hear from 'Complainant A' who alleges Jeffrey Donaldson abused her as a child.

She is being cross-examined by a barrister for his wife Eleanor Donaldson.

The witness told the court last week that Ms Donaldson had witnessed an episode where Mr Donaldson is alleged to have put his hand on her breast under her clothing, but did not intervene.

This morning 'Complainant A' recounted a second incident which she claimed she had informed Ms Donaldson about, but nothing further was done about it.

On that occasion Mr Donaldson is alleged to have used a bright light, possibly a torch, to examine the witness' private parts.

Complainant A said she told Ms Donaldson, who asked for corroborating detail, which she provided.

"I knew by the look on her face that she knew I was telling the truth."

She said there had been no further discussion about the matter.

Mr Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to 18 sexual offences charges, including one of rape.

They include eight charges relating to 'Complainant A', four of indecent assault and four of gross indecency, all of which are alleged to have occurred between 1999 and 2008.

Ms Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to five offences of aiding and abetting her husband's alleged offending.

She will not be in court during the trial as she has been deemed unfit to face a criminal trial due to mental health issues.

The jury will instead be asked to determine whether she committed the offences, but she cannot be convicted or sent to prison.

During cross examination of 'Complainant A' by Ian Turkington KC for Ms Donaldson, questions were once again asked about the witness' memory of the alleged incidents.

The witness has already conceded that while she has clarity about what happened, she is less clear on the specifics such as dates.

Mr Turkington put it to the woman that she had used the phrase "really foggy" to describe her memory of the alleged incidents.

The witness said when it came to childhood abuse there were often issues around memory.

She said while it was not sharp or clear she had done her best to provide a truthful account.

The witness was later asked about allegations that Mr Donaldson kissed her inappropriately using his tongue.

She said it had happened on a number of occasions, but she had detailed the one in her statement to police which she remembered best. She said it stood out in her memory because it had lasted longest.

Questioned by Mr Turkington, she said it had happened on "several occasions" but said she was not in a position to put a number on it.

She claimed she had told Ms Donaldson about it and both she and Mr Donadson had laughed it off.

"I can absolutely guarantee you I was not laughing at all."

She denied she was making her account up as she went along.

The witness said she found the proposition ridiculous.

Mr and Ms Donaldson deny all the offences that they have been charged with.

The case continues.