The sex abuse trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been postponed once more due to the ill-health of his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, who is his co-accused.
The trial was due to start at Newry Crown Court on November 3. The couple deny a combined 23 charges. This is the second time the trial has been delayed.
Mr. Donaldson, 62, faces 18 charges, including one of rape. Mrs. Donaldson, 59, faces five charges relating to aiding and abetting.
It is alleged that the offences were committed between 1985 and 2008.
The court was told that a medical report on Mrs. Donaldson was not ready.
Her lawyer said that everybody is working to deliver a trial date “but the medical picture is incomplete."
Judge Paul Ramsey set another review hearing for November 13.
