{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/b2fb5f0b-0ce7-4e5c-b6e0-9b1febd06aea/6a1053eda9d3d2ec14fb6a01?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Jeffrey Donaldson: The former politician goes on trial ","description":"<p>Jeffrey Donaldson (63) was arrested and charged with sexual offences in March 2024. The former DUP leader and MP is accused of 18 offences – one count of rape, four of gross indecency with or towards a child, and 13 of indecent assault on a female, on dates between 1987 and 2008.</p><p><br></p><p>His wife Eleanor Donaldson (60), is charged with aiding and abetting her husband but she has been judged to be unfit to stand trial and will instead face a trial of the facts.</p><p>Why was the trial, which was originally due to begin in March 2025, postponed twice? And how will the court case unfold following jury selection in Newry on Tuesday?</p><p><br></p><p>Freya McClements, Northern Editor of The Irish Times, explains the case and the delay.</p><p><br></p><p>Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.</p><p><br></p>","author_name":"The Irish Times"}