'Genuine medical issues' in the case of Lady Donaldson says judge
Lady Donaldson, pictured at a previous court appearance, faces five charges relating to aiding and abetting
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A judge has said there are "genuine medical issues" in the case of Lady Eleanor Donaldson, who is facing trial with her husband Sir Jeffrey Donaldson on sex abuse charges.
Judge Paul Ramsey was speaking during a brief hearing at Newry Crown Court.
He has fixed another review of the case on 23 January.
The couple, who deny a combined 23 charges, were to have gone on trial earlier this month, but it was postponed due to Lady Donaldson's health.
No new trial date has been fixed.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson - seen at a previous court hearing - is accused of 18 offences, including one count of rape
Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey, 62, is accused of 18 offences, including one count of rape.
Lady Donaldson, 59, faces five charges relating to aiding and abetting.
The offences were allegedly committed between 1985 and 2008.
At a hearing on Thursday, the court was told that two medical reports on Lady Donaldson have been completed, but a further one is required.
Judge Ramsey said the public might wonder why getting the case to trial is taking so long.
He added: "The reality is that genuine medical issues have been identified and they need to be explored before we proceed further.
"That is simply the way it is."
A prosecution lawyer said that the alleged victims have been kept informed.