The trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Lady Eleanor on charges relating to alleged historical sex offences is set to start next month.
During the hearing on Friday, Judge Paul Ramsey said there would be another preliminary hearing on March 19 to deal with any outstanding matters.
The court heard that Mrs Donaldson was unable to attend because she was unwell, and that the court and the Public Prosecution Service had been provided with detail in relation to that.
Eleanor Donaldson, 58, of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, is facing charges of aiding and abetting.
He also said he did not wish to do anything that would delay the planned start date for the trial of March 24.
