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Judge to sum up case in Donaldson sex abuse trial

Julian O'NeillCrime and justice correspondent, BBC News NI
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The jury at the Sir Jeffrey Donaldson trial will be addressed by Judge Paul Ramsey later on Thursday, to sum up the case which is nearing its conclusion.

The former DUP leader has pleaded not guilty to 18 charges arising from allegations he sexually abused two women when they were children.

His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, denies aiding and abetting his alleged offending.

Once the judge finishes his remarks to the jury, it will then retire to consider verdicts.

Sir Jeffrey denies acts of gross indecency and indecent assault against Complainant A when she was a child, between 1999 and 2008.

He also denies other alleged offences dating back to 1985, including a charge of rape, against Complainant B.

Lady Donaldson denies five related charges of aiding and abetting.

She is facing a trial of the facts and is not participating in proceedings.