Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, is currently standing trial on 18 sex abuse charges, including one count of rape. The 63-year-old politician has denied all charges against him.

Two women have come forward as complainants in the case, with testimony being heard from both alleged victims and their family members. During proceedings, the husband of one alleged victim became emotional while giving evidence to the court.

One of the complainants, referred to as complainant B and described as the older of the two alleged victims, testified about her reasons for not reporting the allegations to police at an earlier time. She told the court she had "tried not to be a victim," explaining her previous reluctance to come forward with the accusations.

Donaldson stepped down as DUP leader when the charges were first brought against him. The Democratic Unionist Party is Northern Ireland's largest unionist political party and has played a significant role in the region's power-sharing arrangements.

The trial is ongoing, with testimony continuing from witnesses and alleged victims as the court examines the evidence in the case.