Lady Donaldson declared unfit to stand trial on mental health grounds

So now Lady Donaldson will face what is known as a trial of facts, which occurs when a defendant cannot be tried because of serious ill-health.

Judge Paul Ramsey today made the decision after hearing medical evidence at Newry Crown Court.

Lady Donaldson, 60, and her husband, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, deny a combined 23 sex abuse charges.

Unlike a normal trial, in a trial of facts, a jury cannot find the person guilty – instead it determines if they committed the alleged offences.

Although they cannot be convicted, they can be acquitted.

The procedure is set out under Article 49A of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.

The defendant, while represented by lawyers, plays no part in proceedings.