A judge has said there are "genuine medical issues" which need to be resolved before the trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Eleanor on sex charges can proceed.
Judge Paul Ramsey made the remarks during another hearing in the case at Newry Crown Court.
The trial had been due to start in March but was postponed until November.
That date was also missed due to the compilation of medical reports.
The trial will now take place next year.
The court heard that a further medical report would be required on Eleanor Donaldson before the next steps could be decided upon.
A consultant psychiatrist has been engaged and will examine her in late December.
Judge Ramsey said the public might wonder why the process of getting to trial was taking so long.
"The reality is that genuine medical issues have been identified that need to be looked at and explored before we proceed further.
"That's simply the way it is."
The court heard that the two complainants in the case had been briefed on the latest delay.
A hearing was fixed for 23 January 2026 to consider the implications of the new medical report.
Judge Ramsey said he hoped by then they would have "a better idea of where we're going".
Ms Donaldson, 59, 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.
