The BelTel

Andy Burnham has officially entered Downing Street, and has shook up the Labour Cabinet. In his maiden speech, the former mayor of Manchester has vowed “take power out of downing street, and carry it into every postcode in the land”. Ministers have been swiftly replaced, from the chancellor to Northern Ireland’s Secretary of state, with Welsh MP Chris Bryant replacing Hilary Benn. So what can Andy Burnham do for Northern Ireland? Olivia Peden is joined by Sam McBride.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UDA chief behind the Craigyhill bonfire in Larne won’t answer questions about his knowledge of an unsolved murder. David Murray says he has “nothing to hide”. But - he might be feeling the heat after police launched a fresh appeal about the loyalist-feud killing of Andrew Cairns in Larne in 2000. Murray was initially charged with murdering the UVF man, who was beaten before bring shot in the head at an Eleventh Night bonfire. The charge was eventually dropped and Murray pleaded guilty to assault getting a suspended prison sentence. But there’s a question for the police... why did they pose for pictures with the so-called master bonfire builder - when they had named him as a UDA commander.  Ciarán joined by John Toner from the Sunday Life and by the Belfast Telegraph’s John Laverty to discuss some of the pallets used in bonfires, if they are blue or red, they are private property – why do the cops ignore that?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Monday morning an horrific discovery was made in Ballymena - the remains of three people were found inside a house on the Old Cullybackey Road – a man, a woman and an eight-year-old girl.   It is believed that the man murdered his wife and child before ending his own life, a year after a similar tragedy in Co. Fermanagh. Since 2017 there have been 13 women and children murdered in Northern Ireland by men who later took their own lives.    This podcast discusses murder and suicide and might not be suitable for some listeners.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The murder of firebrand politician Ann Widdecombe has sent shockwaves through the British establishment, prompting fresh debate around the safety of public figures.  An unapologetic straight-talking stateswoman, Widdecombe served as an MP for 23 years, and was famed for controversial outspoken views on abortion, gay rights and women’s issues.  Despite her divisive nature, Widdecombe managed to win fans away from the political arena thanks to a memorable run on Strictly Come Dancing and other unlikely forays into reality TV. Now, as the investigation into her murder evolves into a terrorism probe, serious questions are being asked of the authorities in Britain, not least by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who called attention to the need for more money to be spent on security for public figures just days before Widdecombe’s death.  On Tuesday evening, counter-terrorism police in the UK stated that the murder of Ann Widdecombe is officially recognised as a “targeted attack” while noting that it has “not been declared as a terrorist incident”. Fionnán Sheahan is joined by TRT World presenter Enda Brady to discuss the latest on the investigation, and to look at the sometimes contradictory life of Ann Widdecombe and an increasingly threatening climate for politicians.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson earned massive sums over a successful career. But the Belfast Telegraph understands the now convicted pedophile's fortune is ebbing away – and that he still has a mortgage on his Dromore home.   He has to pay a legal bill of half a million pounds – can he afford an appeal?  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Long associated with the Orange Order, marching bands and bonfires – the Twelfth goes back a long way. But what is the origin of the celebrations, of the order itself and does the organisation have a future? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by historian Dr David Hume.This episode of The BelTel was originally released in July 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

t’s fight week, and Conor McGregor has come out swinging.   ‘The Notorious’ finally steps back into a UFC octagon this weekend for a main event match-up, and while some are questioning his physical prowess, his microphone game remains as brash as ever.   Sat in front of the media once more, McGregor espoused his divine beliefs, proclaimed his innocence and once again weighed in on Ireland’s immigration debate.   This weekend’s event will have plenty of eyes on it, but should Conor McGregor be allowed fight at all? Or granted a platform of this size to spread his views, for that matter?    And why are American fans and fixtures so happy to assist in his rehabilitation tour?    On this episode host Dave Hanratty is joined by sports and entertainment journalist Andy McCarroll to look at a much-criticised return to the octagon.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer has begun, and once again, controversies continue to surround bonfire season. A man has been arrested over the erection of a replica of a mosque on top of a bonfire in Moygashel with a loyalist source in the area warning that any attempt to move in on the bonfire will result in a ‘stand-off’. Paramilitary flags remain flying on streets and other bonfires across Northern Ireland just weeks after the PSNI were legally given powers to remove them, including banners in Antrim and Dungannon eulogising Loyalist Terror Chief Billy Wright. Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast telegraph reporter Abdullah Sabri.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeffrey Donaldson looks set to be investigated again after a further allegation of sexual assault on a woman in the DUP offices at Westminster. The young woman at the heart of the allegations says that the former DUP leader tried to get her to drink vodka shots in his office, that she refused to do, before he allegedly tried to kiss her on the mouth and put his hand up her skirt.The DUP has commissioned an investigation into who knew what and when, and if members failed to act, or turned a blind eye to Donaldson’s behaviour.Olivia Peden is joined by Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The trial for the murder of father-of-two John George is expected to begin in January 2027. The remaining suspect in the case, Newtownabbey man Johnny Smyth, is in a Spanish jail awaiting trial. A man who was occupying the villa where John George was last seen was stabbed in Lisburn City Centre last week - after previously suffering a knife attack in spain last year.Meanwhile, footage has emerged of wife of Johnny Smyth, Madison Allen , receiving multiple lacerations to her face from a man she is seen kissing just moments before.  Belfast Telegraph Crime Correspondent Allison Morris joins Olivia Peden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Noah Donohoe inquest has been adjourned until later in the year following an “unprecedented” late-night sitting. Jurors were sent out on Tuesday to begin discussions about their verdict and had been deliberating for almost 25 hours. The jury of eight men and two women were asked to deliver a verdict on teen’s death, and were asked to cover “what police knew, when they knew it and what they did in response”. Court was adjourned until at least August or September. Gareth Hanna joins Belfast Telegraph Journalist Liam Tunney.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1996, Peter Lavery's life changed overnight. The Short Strand man was earning £300 a week driving buses when he became one of Northern Ireland's biggest ever lottery winners, scooping up a £10.2 million. Nearly 30 years later, he's one of Belfast's best-known businessmen. Today, he's the founder of Titanic Distillers, bringing whiskey production back to the city for the first time in almost 90 years, despite giving up drinking after being given what he calls a health 'ultimatum'.He joined Cathy Martin to talk about working the day after winning the jackpot, legendary nights out, and if money really can buy you happiness.This edition of the BelTel is an episode of the Belfast Telegraph's business and lifestyle podcast, In Good Company - available wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two decades ago, a senior PSNI detective who had come from MI5 headquarters in London saw something he couldn’t believe – DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson entering a gay sauna.That story, which was revealed last week, has fed into speculation around what the police and intelligence services knew about Jeffrey Donaldson’s behaviour. It has now become clear that police were aware of the far more serious accusations of pedophilia against the former DUP leader before he led the DUP back to Stormont in January 2024 – just months before he was charged with historical sex offences.Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland Editor Sam McBride joins Olivia Peden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeffrey Donaldson was an “unmitigated liar” and was living a double life while working in Westminster – according to former DUP MLA Jim Wells. In the days following Jeffrey Donaldson’s guilty verdict for child sex offences, more information has arisen about the disgraced MPs personal life – including affairs, the use of gay saunas, and drinking to excess. Former MLA and DUP member Jim Wells joined Olivia Peden.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots has performed a massive U-turn on a strange decision which has caused unusual controversy around Stormont. Last month, Mr Poots blocked MLAs from discussing a proposal which survivors of abuse wanted to become law.The episode was extraordinary - because a large majority of MLAs not only wanted to discuss the proposal, but to vote for it to become law.Mr Poots has now changed his mind but has refused to give any explanation for why he did what he did. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Throughout the trial of Jeffrey Donaldson, his work for what he called “the local MP” was referenced in court. That MP was Enoch Powell – one of the most controversial British politicians of the 20th century. Donaldson served as Powell’s election agent in the mid-80s. Powell, who passed away in 1998, had been accused of being a paedophile, with allegations arising from around the time Jeffrey Donaldson had been working for him.Former DUP leader Donaldson was found guilty of historical sex offences, including rape, at the start of this week. Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast telegraph reporter Andrew Madden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeffrey Donaldson has begun his new life in Maghaberry Prison. Donaldson and his wife, Eleanor, are set to be stripped of their honours. The former MP and DUP leader, Jeffrey Donaldson was found guilty of 18 child sex offences on Monday - including one count of rape.   The 63-year-old had pleaded not guilty, but the jury of seven men and five considered its verdicts for ten hours over three days, believing his victims. His wife Eleanor Donaldson was found to have committed the acts relating to offences of aiding and abetting following a trial of the facts.   Allison Morris joined Ciarán Dunbar to talk about what we couldn’t report while the trial was ongoing.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of 18 historical sex offences, including one count of rape, 13 of indecent assault and four of gross indecency. The offences were against two women when they were children. His wife Eleanor Donaldson has been found to have committed the acts relating to offences of aiding and abetting following a trial of the facts. The leaders of the UUP and TUV immediately called for the Donaldsons to be stripped of their titles.  Jeffrey Donaldson has been taken to Maghaberry prison to start his sentence. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris, Sam McBride, and Suzanne Breen.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of all charges – the judge said prison is “inevitable”.  A jury of seven men and five women had considered its verdicts for more than nine hours over two days, and reached a verdict just after lunch on Monday.   The 63-year-old former MP had pleaded not guilty to 18 offences including one count of rape.  His wife Eleanor Donaldson found guilty of all charges including five of aiding and abetting – she was facing a trial of the facts and cannot be convicted or go to prison.    Belfast Telegraph reporter Kyle Frazer joins Ciarán Dunbar.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another British Prime Minister is heading for the exit. Just days after insisting he would stay and fight, Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, bringing a sorry end to a premiership that lasted just two years. With his only serious rival out of the running, Andy Burnham now appears to have a clear path to Downing Street. Enda Brady joins Fionnan Sheahan to discuss how Burnham could approach the Irish relationship, handling Trump and defeating Nigel Farrage’s reform?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katie Simpson was a talented showjumper whose short adult life centred around the equine industry she'd grown up in. So, when first responders collected her, unconscious and not breathing, from the care of Jonathan Creswell, who would eventually be charged with her murder, police initially believed his claim that he'd found her hanging at home.Creswell died by suicide in the early days of his trial. Since then, Ms Simpson’s story has been covered at length in documentaries, podcasts, a Police Ombudsman’s report, an independent case review, and a book by Nicola Tallant. Although a tragic death among the showjumping set is far from her regular Crime World beat, Tallant believes Simpson’s is a dark story with more yet to be told.This episode contains material that may be distressing. Please take care while listening.Host: Fionnán Sheehan | Guest: Nicola Tallant (author of Groomed: Coercion, Control and a Cold-blooded Murder, and investigations editor at the Sunday World) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Noah Donohoe’s remains were found in a storm drain in north Belfast on June 27, 2020.  The 14-year-old had gone missing six days earlier.   A post-mortem examination found that the likely cause of death was drowning.  The inquest into his death, which is being heard before a jury, is in its 20th week.  The jury has now heard from Detective Chief Inspector Tom Phillips. He was the senior investigating officer tasked with finding Noah and is the inquest’s final witness.  He told the court that Police may ‘never have answers’ to some questions around Noah’s death.  Liam Tunney is covering the inquest for the Belfast Telegraph.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeffrey Donaldson’s trial is nearing its end. The court has now heard the closing arguments – all that remains is for the judge to give directions to the jury. On Wednesday, Donaldson’s barrister told the jury the complainants were “not sufficiently reliable enough to drive you to a sure conclusion that he is guilty”. 63-year-old Jeffrey Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences which include one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency. His wife Eleanor Donaldson’s barrister asked the jury to end her nightmare by returning verdicts that she did not do the acts alleged.  The sixty-year-old from Dublinhill Road in Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending.  She is facing a trial of the facts to test the evidence in the case but cannot result in a criminal conviction.   Allison Morris was in court.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Belfast Telegraph’s Sam McBride went to East Belfast to ask people blocking a road – albeit peacefully – why they were protesting. That led to him being assaulted, challenged to a fight, intimidated and sworn at. The fallout from last week’s riots continues with 35 arrests, and 23 people charged. Police have described the events as “inexcusable lawlessness”. Sam McBride joined Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A prosecution barrister has told a jury that the two complainants in the case against Jeffrey Donaldson had ‘No reason to lie’. But Jeffrey Donaldson’s barrister has told the jury to look at evidence ‘dispassionately’, and that “When all is said and done, it is their word against his word”. Rosemary Walsh KC, for the prosecution, told the jury in Newry Crown Court that Jeffrey Donaldson’s wife Eleanor “was aware her husband had a sexual interest in pre-pubescent girls”.  The former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson is accused of rape and several counts of gross indecency and of indecent assault. The 63 year old has pleaded not guilty to the 18 alleged offences.  Eleanor Donaldson, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending.  Allison Morris is covering the trial for the Belfast Telegraph Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

His killing shocked Ireland, cast a shadow over the peace process, and left a family searching for justice. Fionnán Sheahan and John Downing look back at the killing of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe, the political fallout, and why the case remains open three decades later. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has now been cross-examined by the prosecution in Newry Crown Court where he is on trial over 18 alleged offences. He has plead not guilty to charges including rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency. Both complainants alleged they were abused as children. His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, from Dublinhill Road in Dromore, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending. She is facing a trial of the facts on mental health grounds.  Allison Morris is covering the trial for the Belfast Telegraph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The inquest into the death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe has now heard its 19th week of evidence. The inquest has now heard from mental health experts - one said it ‘feels like there is so much we don’t know about this case’. But the experts do agree that Noah is “unlikely to have died by suicide”. They also agreed that Jordan Peterson’s book ‘12 Rules For Life’ would have had an “influence” on Noah. The teenager’s body was found in a storm drain in June 2020 after being missing for six days.  Liam Tunney is covering the inquest for the Belfast Telegraph, he spoke to Olivia Peden.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeffrey Donaldson has denied raping a seven-year-old child, under cross-examination, saying “it simply didn’t happen”. The former MP spent Thursday on the witness stand in Newry Crown Court. During the questioning, he admitted having an affair. Mr Donaldson is accused of rape and several counts of gross indecency and of indecent assault. The sixty-three-year-old has pleaded not guilty to the 18 alleged offences.  Allison Morris is covering the trial for the Belfast Telegraph.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Violence sparked by a knife attack in Belfast continues. A Sudanese man has been charged over that incident.  Twelve police officers have been injured as they confront rioters and attempts to target minorities. The PSNI deployed a water cannon in Newtownabbey as they were pelted with bricks.  Meanwhile a health trusts says it is ‘horrified’ after a nurse ‘with different skin colour’ was chased into hospital by masked men.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Kevin Scott.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northern Ireland has seen serious race riots for the third year in a row. Masked men staged violent protests in number of areas, but the trouble was concentrated in the greater Belfast area, with homes set alight off the Crumlin Road and in east Belfast.A Glider bus was set alight on the Newtownards Road and a police car was burned in Portadown. The disorder followed an attempted murder involving a knife in north Belfast on Monday night.A 30-year-old Sudanese man has been charged.   The Belfast Telegraph’s Visuals Editor Kevin Scott was on the ground in Belfast and Liam Tunney was in court.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eleanor Donaldson “met with a blank wall” when asking her husband Jeffrey about an incident with an alleged abuse – a jury has heard.  Eleanor Donaldson also accused her husband of infidelity during police interviews.    And Jeffrey Donaldson told police a letter sent to one of his alleged victims had nothing “to do with any allegation or any action involving sexual abuse”.  His trial over alleged sexual offences is continuing in Newry Crown Court.    The 63-year-old has pleaded not guilty to 18 charges, including one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency.  His wife Eleanor Donaldson faces five related charges including aiding and abetting – she is facing a trial of the facts due to her mental health issues.   Allison Morris is covering the trial.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A man believed by police to be Sudanese has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a violent incident involving a knife in north Belfast. The attack, which has been declared a ‘critical incident’, happened in Kinnaird Avenue shortly after 10.30 PM last night. The victim - a man in his 40s - is in hospital in a serious condition. A video of the attack has shocked and horrified the public in Northern Ireland. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer labeled the incident as “sickening”. A major police investigation is ongoing. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph Visuals editor Kevin Scott This episode was recorded at 12PM on Tuesday 9 June.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I can’t get my head around” the abuse allegations made by Witness B, Jeffrey Donaldson told police. The tape of the former MP’s interview with the PSNI was played at his trial in Newry Crown Count on Monday morning.   The jury also heard Donaldson deny that he apologised to Witness in the case because he thought it would “make this go away”.  “I wasn’t doing anything untoward,” Jeffrey Donaldson told police officers in relation to accusations made by Witness A.  Donaldson (63) is accused of rape and several counts of gross indecency and of indecent assault. He denies all 18 alleged offences. There are two alleged victims, Complainant A and Complainant B.  His wife Eleanor Donaldson, from Dublinhill Road in Dromore denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending.  Allison Morris was in court.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Claire Sugden is the only independent MLA in Stormont. Co-opted into the assembly for east Londonderry in 2014, she served as justice minister from May 2016 to March 2017.  Widely considered a ‘liberal unionist’, in May 2021 she turned down an invitation from Doug Beattie to join the UUP but she says she’s no “soft unionist”.   But under John Burrow's leadership, could she consider joining the party now? Can liberal Unionism be revived? And besides Unionism, what else does Claire believe in?  And she tells the BelTel that she wants to continue as a politician but not “at the expense of my health anymore.” Claire Sugden joined Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Almost like a bomb went off”, that’s it was like, a witness told Newry Crown Court, when one of Jeffrey Donaldson’s alleged victims confided in her.   Claire Selfridge was giving evidence on the eighth day of the trial.  The jury also heard a claim that Jeffrey Donaldson asked one of the complainants to forgive him.  The former DUP leader is accused of rape and several counts of gross indecency and of indecent assault. The 63-year-old has pleaded not guilty to the 18 alleged offences.  The charges span a period between 1985 and 2008 involving two alleged victims.  Eleanor Donaldson, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending.  She is facing a trial of the facts.  Kurtis Reid reports.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newry Crown Court has heard Jeffrey Donaldson sent a message to a minister supporting one of his alleged victims, saying he wanted to “repent before them as he had before God.”  The husband of an alleged victim in the abuse trial has broken down as he gave evidence on Thursday.   63-year-old former MP Jeffrey Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to all the 18 charges he is facing, they include rape and several counts of gross indecency and of indecent assault. His wife Eleanor Donaldson, from Dublinhill Road in Dromore, County Down denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending.  She is facing a trial of the facts.   Allison Morris is covering the trial for the Belfast Telegraph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A woman who claims former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson raped her as a child has told a court in Newry she regrets not contacting police sooner. Witness B said she has “tried not to be a victim” in the years since the alleged abuse. During cross-examination on Wednesday afternoon, she said she wished she had “screamed out”. Jeffrey Donaldson is accused of rape and several counts of gross indecency and of indecent assault. The former MP has pleaded not guilty to the 18 alleged offences.  His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, from Dublinhill Road in Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting – she faces a trial of the facts as she has been ruled unfit for a criminal trial.  Allison Morris is covering the trial for the Belfast Telegraph.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen McCullagh will do at least 31 years of jail time before he is even considered for release.  32-year-old Natalie McNally had been 15 weeks pregnant when she was subjected to a violent attack and murdered at her home in Lurgan in December 2022.  The judge, Mr Justice Kinney, told McCullagh that he committed a “brutal senseless murder and planned it in remorseless detail.”  “The killing was cold blooded and calculated.”  McCullagh tried to pin the murder on Lewis Jones, Natalie’s ex-partner, after having set up a false alibi.   But the jury rejected that and found McCullagh guilty of the murder at Belfast Crown Court earlier this year.  Kurtis Reid was in court for the tariff hearing.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UUP’s fortunes, or at least its leader’s, had been rising in the polls – but now the party is sinking into civil war. Its former leader Doug Beattie has quit the party and has launched a blistering assault on current leader Jon Burrows – even saying he “regretted” ever persuading Burrows to join the party. Mr Beattie resigned from the UUP at the weekend, accusing former PSNI man Burrows of a “vindictive attempt” to oust him. Mr Burrows has yet to comment publicly. Meanwhile, reports suggest he doesn’t have the support of the party’s Stormont MLAs  The Belfast Telegraph’s Political Editor Suzanne Breen broke the story that Doug Beattie was set to leave the party.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A jury has heard a police interview recording of a woman who claims she was raped as a child by Jeffrey Donaldson. Jurors at Newry Crown Court heard allegations against the former DUP leader by a woman who claims it happened when she was at primary school. She also alleged that Donaldson arranged for her to be sent to a Christian Rehabilitation Centre and apologised to her there.  Sixty-three-year-old Jeffrey Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences said to have taken place between 1985 and 2008 involving two complainants known as Witness A and B. His wife Eleanor Donaldson faces a trial of the facts on aiding and abetting allegations after the trial judge ruled her medically unfit to stand trial. Allison Morris is covering the trial for the Belfast Telegraph.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eleanor Donaldson “did nothing” when told of an allegation of abuse by her husband, Jeffrey Donaldson, a court has heard. The claim from one of the alleged victims came during week two of the former DUP leader’s trial. 63-year-old Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences.  The charges include one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency.  Donaldson’s wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending.  The 60-year-old is facing a trial of the facts, not a criminal trial, after judge Paul Ramsey ruled her unfit to stand trial on mental health grounds.  Allison Morris was in court for day four of evidence.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sixty years after being jailed with Ian Paisley, a veteran Free Presbyterian minister is daring his clerical colleagues to expel him. Now, the Rev Ivan Foster – himself a former DUP Assemblyman – is facing discipline for criticising Free Presbyterian ministers. A second cleric, the Rev David Linden, is also facing disciplinary measures. 83-year-old Rev Foster has publicly accused the church of breaking its own rules.   Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeffrey Donaldson’s wife planted a listening device in his car after becoming suspicious he was having affair with a constituent, a court in Newry has been told.  The 63-year-old former MP in on trial in relation to 18 alleged historical sex offence charges, dating from 1985 to 2008 – including a charge of rape. He denies all of the charges against him.  His wife Eleanor Donaldson, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore in Co Down, is charged with aiding and abetting. She denies the charges.  She will not be in court and is facing a trial of the facts as she has been ruled medically unfit to stand trial.  Allison Morris was in court. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The inquest into the death of Noah Donohoe has been hearing its 17th week of evidence. This week the inquest heard a police constable say investigating the culvert in which the teenager's body was found was “not a priority” during the first few days of the search. The jury also heard an engineer say it was ‘Extremely unlikely’ Noah entered the watercourse from anywhere but culvert entrance at Premier Drive. Liam Tunney is the Belfast Telegraph’s chief reporter on the inquest.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tommy Fleming has for decades been a star of international acclaim. The Sligo singer has played to sold out crowds, toured with Phil Coulter, and enjoyed much of his success with his wife Tina by his side. Tommy called Tina the “most decent and loving” person he knew, while Tina said her relationship with him was “special and fulfilling”. But last year, the cracks in their life together started to show. Details of their separation, of Tommy’s affairs and drug use, of his “living a lie”, have been aired in a leaked phone call recording and explosive interviews from both Tommy and Tina. Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Darragh Nolan, multimedia reporter with the Irish Independent, to look at the full story of Tommy Fleming. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at BelfastTelegraph.co.uk/ourjournalism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The trial of Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex crimes has heard he wrote a letter to an alleged victim asking for forgiveness. The court was read the letter from June 2020 to a woman he is accused of abusing. In it he asked for her forgiveness for “hurt and pain I have caused”. In the letter to Witness A, he referred to “sinful and selfish actions” and wrote he wanted to “take full responsibility for all I have done”. An interview recorded in March 2024 was shown to the court, which showed Witness A recounting two main alleged incidents. The witness said that inappropriate touching had become “a very casual thing”. 63-year-old Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged historical sexual offences.  Allison Morris is covering the trial for the Belfast Telegraph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson apologised to one of his alleged victims at a church retreat in the mid-1990s, a court heard today. Jurors were also told second complainant wrote letter to two defendants about the secret ‘she had to keep’  The prosecution delivered its opening address in the Donaldson trial on Wednesday. The former DUP leader is on trial at Newry Crown Court for alleged historical sexual offences. The 63 year-old has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences.  Allison Morris was in court.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A search has begun near the shores of Lough Neagh for one of the Disappeared. 29-year-old Seamus Maguire is thought to have been killed and secretly buried by republicans 50 years ago. The search operation is on land near to his homeplace of Aghagallon, near Lurgan.  It is the first search for one of the Disappeared to take place in Northern Ireland for 16 years.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph Journalist Andrew Madden.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The murder of Pat Finucane is one of the most notorious of the troubles. The 39-year-old Belfast solicitor was shot dead at his family home in north Belfast in 1989 by UDA gunmen. A series of investigations revealed collusion with the state. The first hearing of a public inquiry into the killing is set to take place next month – with Sir Gary Hickinbottom as chairman of the inquiry. Pat Finucane’s family, including his son, Sinn Fein MP John Finucane, has long fought for an inquiry into the case to be opened.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris to preview the inquest.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.