Woman charged over alleged breach of anonymity in Jeffrey Donaldson case

A 55-year-old woman has been charged with allegedly breaching the lifetime anonymity protecting alleged victims in the ongoing court case involving former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson.

Detectives from Newry Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested the woman in the Ballynahinch area on Tuesday, 28 July, as part of their investigation into an alleged breach of reporting restrictions linked to the high-profile case.

She has been charged with breaching a lifetime ban on reporting the identity of alleged victim or victims.

Court appearance scheduled

The woman is due to appear before Downpatrick Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 24 August.

As with all criminal charges, the case will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

The charge relates to the ongoing criminal proceedings involving Jeffrey Donaldson.

Police issue reminder over anonymity laws

Following the charge, detectives reiterated the importance of complying with legal restrictions designed to protect the identities of alleged victims in sexual offence cases.

Police warned that anyone who names, identifies or alludes to the identity of protected victims could face arrest and prosecution.

Lifetime anonymity for alleged victims is protected by law, and the restrictions apply across all forms of publication, including social media.

The case against the woman will now proceed through the courts.