Jeffrey Donaldson trial: Complainants did not come forward 'for fun,' court hears

Closing arguments are underway in the trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson, who faces 18 sex abuse charges. Prosecutors are urging the jury to consider the complainants' testimony, stating they did not bring their case "for the fun of it." Rosemary Walsh KC, representing one of the complainants, argued that the women reached "turning points" in their lives, prompting them to report the alleged abuse.

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This is not something they are doing for the fun of it, or the sake of it.

Walsh told the jury that Complainant B was motivated to come forward after learning about Complainant A, blaming herself for not reporting sooner. The prosecution highlighted the "long and arduous process" for both women, emphasizing that the alleged abuse surfaced after they had attempted to live "a version of a normal life." They were aware of the "potentially life changing consequences" of coming forward against a high-profile figure.

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Is that anguish another detail that has been conjured up, or is it genuine and heartfelt?

"This is not something they are doing for the fun of it, or the sake of it," Walsh stated, urging the jury to observe the "pain and hurt" still visible in their evidence. She presented Complainant B's previous disclosures as a teenager as evidence that her account was not fabricated but a burden carried for years. Despite telling people about her experiences, she felt they were not properly addressed, with the "hornet's nest avoided."

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The pain and hurt are still visible.

The trial, now in its 16th day, also involves Donaldson's wife, Eleanor, who denies five charges linked to her husband's alleged offending. She is undergoing a trial of the facts due to mental health concerns, meaning the jury must determine if she committed the acts she is accused of, though she cannot be found guilty.

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Everyone just knew it was serious, but the topic remained untouched - the hornet's nest avoided.