Eleanor Donaldson to appeal trial of the facts verdict

Eleanor Donaldson has applied to appeal the verdict from her trial of the facts, which found she had done the acts in relation to all five charges she faced.

Four of those charges were of aiding and abetting the offending committed by her husband Jeffrey Donaldson.

The former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader was convicted of 18 counts of sex abuse, including one count of rape, which he committed against two women when they were children.

The Northern Ireland Courts Service confirmed on Thursday that an application for leave to appeal had been lodged to the Court of Appeal by Eleanor Donaldson's legal team.

She faced a trial of the facts after being found unfit for a conventional trial on mental health grounds.

It ran alongside her husband's trial at Newry Crown Court in May and June.

She cannot be given a prison sentence but could be given a treatment order or an absolute discharge.

The judge from her trial is due to decide on this in October.

Jeffrey Donaldson's solicitor has said he is also to appeal against his convictions .