Sam McBride: It would be a scandal if Jeffrey Donaldson’s trial collapsed due to the justice system’s failure

Prejudicial material and claims about the identities of the complainants against the former DUP chief have been widespread online for weeks — but the justice system is proving impotent

Jeffrey Donaldson arrives in Newry court.

Sam McBride

Jeffrey Donaldson’s trial is a monumental challenge for the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland.

When Donaldson and his wife, Eleanor, appeared at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, proceedings in the courtroom were straightforward.