BELFAST, March 14 (Reuters) - The trial for historical sex offenses involving Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), and his wife Eleanor has been postponed for at least eight weeks due to Eleanor's illness, the court revealed on Friday.

The timing of the trial will be reevaluated during a hearing scheduled for May 16 at Newry Crown Court.

Donaldson, a prominent figure in Northern Irish politics, stepped down as leader of the major unionist party in March 2024 after being charged with historical allegations. He denies the 13 counts of indecent assault on a female child and four counts of gross indecency towards a child. The alleged incidents involving two complainants are said to have occurred between 1985 and 2008.

Eleanor Donaldson, who has pleaded not guilty to three charges, including aiding and abetting rape, is currently unfit to stand trial, as confirmed by her lawyer in court.

The trial is anticipated to last three weeks.

(This story has been refiled to correct a typo in paragraph 6)