Ex-judge Sir John Gillen is to review 'trial of the facts' law after Jeffrey Donaldson's wife avoided a conventional trial

The review will examine whether a full criminal trial should remain available if a defendant subsequently becomes fit to plead. Eleanor Donaldson, deemed mentally unfit, went through a trial of the facts rather than a conventional criminal prosecution. Gillen will also consider whether sex offender notification requirements ought to follow such outcomes. An interim report is due by February 2027, with a final report in spring 2027.

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has begun a 15-year sentence after his conviction.

Justice Minister Naomi Long: justice must be done 'and seen to be served'.

Victim A faced three days of cross-examination and told the court: 'The facts are the facts.'