Jury sent out to consider verdicts in Jeffrey Donaldson's sex abuse trial

The judge in the sex abuse trial of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has sent the jury out to consider their verdicts.

Judge Paul Ramsey spent about two hours summing up the case on Thursday morning before instructing the seven men and five women to begin their deliberations at 13:20 BST.

The former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader has pleaded not guilty to 18 charges, including one count of rape, arising from allegations he sexually abused two women when they were children.

His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, denies five charges of aiding and abetting his alleged offending.

Earlier, the judge told the jury that the trial was now "reaching the closing stages".

He said jurors must be satisfied that the prosecution had proven the case against Sir Jeffrey beyond reasonable doubt before they could convict.

He added: "Only where you are satisfied beyond reasonable doubt can you convict … that is the law."

Sir Jeffrey, wearing a dark suit and a pink tie, sat in the dock with his arms folded while the judge delivered his remarks.