The trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Eleanor Donaldson, who are both accused of sexual offences, has been postponed for a second time due to her continuing ill health.
The couple's trial had originally been scheduled to begin in March but was postponed until 3 November.
A judge at Newry Crown Court this morning said it is now likely that it will not take place until next year.
Judge Paul Ramsey said he will review the case again on 13 November after being told that the prosecution and defence are awaiting further medical reports on 59-year-old Ms Donaldson.
She has pleaded not guilty to five charges including aiding and abetting her husband.
Mr Donaldson, 62, 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 allegedly involve two victims and are said to have occurred over a 23-year period between 1985 and 2008.
Neither defendant appeared at Newry Crown Court for today's short hearing.
A lawyer for Ms Donaldson told the court that while all sides were doing their best to ensure the trial could start as scheduled next month, "the medical picture is incomplete."
A lawyer for the Public Prosecution Service said the outcome of the medical reports will have ramifications for the progress of the trial.
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The judge said he would vacate the November trial date, but could not set a new date until the court knows the contents of the outstanding medical reports.
"It looks very much like we are going into next year," he said.
