Shows / The BelTel
The BelTel
The BelTel brings you some of Northern Ireland's top journalists, Allison Morris, Sam McBride and Suzanne Breen to name but a few, giving you the inside stories behind what is in the news. Presented by Ciarán Dunbar, the Bel Tel investigates, debates and informs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
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Episodes
The BelTelCraigyhill UDA chief says he has "nothing to hide" after cops make murder appeal
The UDA chief behind the Craigyhill bonfire in Larne won’t answer questions about his knowledge of an unsolved murder. David Murray says he has “nothing to…
The BelTel“Clearly we have an issue”: Ballymena murder-suicide latest in number of similar tragedies to shock public
On Monday morning an horrific discovery was made in Ballymena - the remains of three people were found inside a house on the Old Cullybackey Road – a man, a…
The BelTelAnn Widdecombe killed in ‘targeted attack’, say counter-terrorism police
The murder of firebrand politician Ann Widdecombe has sent shockwaves through the British establishment, prompting fresh debate around the safety of public…
The BelTelWhere did Jeffrey Donaldson’s fortune go – and can he afford an appeal?
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson earned massive sums over a successful career. But the Belfast Telegraph understands the now convicted pedophile's fortune…
The BelTelThe Orange Order and the Twelfth, how did it come about?
Long associated with the Orange Order, marching bands and bonfires – the Twelfth goes back a long way. But what is the origin of the celebrations, of the order…
The BelTelConor McGregor: Why does America keep giving the disgraced fighter a platform?
t’s fight week, and Conor McGregor has come out swinging. ‘The Notorious’ finally steps back into a UFC octagon this weekend for a main event match-up, and…
The BelTelBonfire season heats up as man arrested following replica of mosque placed on pyre
Summer has begun, and once again, controversies continue to surround bonfire season. A man has been arrested over the erection of a replica of a mosque on top…
The BelTelWoman claims Jeffrey Donaldson sexually assaulted her in Westminster DUP offices
Jeffrey Donaldson looks set to be investigated again after a further allegation of sexual assault on a woman in the DUP offices at Westminster. The young woman…
The BelTelNew evidence revealed as John George murder trial expected to begin in January
The trial for the murder of father-of-two John George is expected to begin in January 2027. The remaining suspect in the case, Newtownabbey man Johnny Smyth…
The BelTelNoah Donohoe inquest adjourned following ‘unprecedented’ late night sitting
The Noah Donohoe inquest has been adjourned until later in the year following an “unprecedented” late-night sitting. Jurors were sent out on Tuesday to begin…
The BelTel'In the first four weeks, I spent £3 million' : The east Belfast man who won £10 million
In 1996, Peter Lavery's life changed overnight. The Short Strand man was earning £300 a week driving buses when he became one of Northern Ireland's biggest…
The BelTelJeffrey Donaldson: Did MI5 and PSNI know of MP’s innapropriate behaviour?
Two decades ago, a senior PSNI detective who had come from MI5 headquarters in London saw something he couldn’t believe – DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson entering a…
The BelTelAffairs, gay saunas, and drinking excessively: Former MLA on the Jeffrey Donaldson he knew
Jeffrey Donaldson was an “unmitigated liar” and was living a double life while working in Westminster – according to former DUP MLA Jim Wells. In the days…
The BelTelIs Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots out of control? A strange decision, a huge U-turn...and no explanation
Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots has performed a massive U-turn on a strange decision which has caused unusual controversy around Stormont. Last month, Mr Poots…
The BelTelJeffrey Donaldson: Convicted paedophile’s mentor Enoch Powell also accused of preying on children in NI
Throughout the trial of Jeffrey Donaldson, his work for what he called “the local MP” was referenced in court. That MP was Enoch Powell – one of the most…
The BelTelJeffrey Donaldson: Allison Morris on what we couldn’t report while trial was ongoing
Jeffrey Donaldson has begun his new life in Maghaberry Prison. Donaldson and his wife, Eleanor, are set to be stripped of their honours. The former MP and DUP…
The BelTel“Donaldson was a fraud”: Allison Morris, Sam McBride and Suzanne Breen react as Jeffrey Donaldson found guilty of sex offences
Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of 18 historical sex offences, including one count of rape, 13 of indecent assault and four of gross indecency. The…
The BelTelGUILTY: Jeffrey Donaldson is now a convicted child rapist
Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of all charges – the judge said prison is “inevitable”. A jury of seven men and five women had considered its verdicts…
The BelTelExtra: Starmer out - 'de facto' PM Andy Burnham in
Another British Prime Minister is heading for the exit. Just days after insisting he would stay and fight, Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, bringing…
The BelTelNicola Tallant on why Katie Simpson’s tragic murder leaves so many unanswered questions
Katie Simpson was a talented showjumper whose short adult life centred around the equine industry she'd grown up in. So, when first responders collected her…
The BelTelNoah Donohoe: ‘Questions over teen’s death may never be answered’, final witness tells inquest
Noah Donohoe’s remains were found in a storm drain in north Belfast on June 27, 2020. The 14-year-old had gone missing six days earlier. A post-mortem…
The BelTelDonaldson Trial: Evidence “not sufficiently reliable” to convict, court hears
Jeffrey Donaldson’s trial is nearing its end. The court has now heard the closing arguments – all that remains is for the judge to give directions to the jury…
The BelTelSam McBride assaulted as he questions protesters in east Belfast
Belfast Telegraph’s Sam McBride went to East Belfast to ask people blocking a road – albeit peacefully – why they were protesting. That led to him being…
The BelTelDonaldson Trial: ‘It is their word against his word’, defence tells jury
A prosecution barrister has told a jury that the two complainants in the case against Jeffrey Donaldson had ‘No reason to lie’. But Jeffrey Donaldson’s…
The BelTelAmbush in Adare: The IRA killing of Garda Jerry McCabe and why case still remains open
His killing shocked Ireland, cast a shadow over the peace process, and left a family searching for justice. Fionnán Sheahan and John Downing look back at the…
The BelTelDonaldson Trial: Prosecution accuses Jeffrey Donaldson of ‘sinful and deceitful lies’
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has now been cross-examined by the prosecution in Newry Crown Court where he is on trial over 18 alleged offences. He has plead not…
The BelTelNoah Donohoe: Mental health experts agree Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules For Life had ‘influence’ on teen
The inquest into the death of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe has now heard its 19th week of evidence. The inquest has now heard from mental health experts - one said…
The BelTelDonaldson Trial: Jeffrey Donaldson denies child rape, admits affair
Jeffrey Donaldson has denied raping a seven-year-old child, under cross-examination, saying “it simply didn’t happen”. The former MP spent Thursday on the…
The BelTelViolence continues as police respond with water cannon
Violence sparked by a knife attack in Belfast continues. A Sudanese man has been charged over that incident. Twelve police officers have been injured as they…
The BelTelMan charged over knife attack as bus and homes destroyed in NI race riot chaos
Northern Ireland has seen serious race riots for the third year in a row. Masked men staged violent protests in number of areas, but the trouble was…
The BelTelDonaldson Trial: Eleanor says husband Jeffrey unfaithful throughout marriage
Eleanor Donaldson “met with a blank wall” when asking her husband Jeffrey about an incident with an alleged abuse – a jury has heard. Eleanor Donaldson also…
The BelTelRevulsion over 'attempted beheading' in north Belfast
A man believed by police to be Sudanese has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a violent incident involving a knife in north Belfast. The…
The BelTelDonaldson Trial: Jury hears denials during police interviews
“I can’t get my head around” the abuse allegations made by Witness B, Jeffrey Donaldson told police. The tape of the former MP’s interview with the PSNI was…
The BelTel"I’m not a soft unionist” says independent MLA Claire Sugden
Claire Sugden is the only independent MLA in Stormont. Co-opted into the assembly for east Londonderry in 2014, she served as justice minister from May 2016 to…
The BelTelDonaldson Trial: Jeffrey Donaldson asked Witness B to ‘forgive him’, court hears
“Almost like a bomb went off”, that’s it was like, a witness told Newry Crown Court, when one of Jeffrey Donaldson’s alleged victims confided in her. Claire…
The BelTelDonaldson Trial: Court hears Jeffrey Donaldson ‘sent WhatsApp to minister saying he wanted to repent’
Newry Crown Court has heard Jeffrey Donaldson sent a message to a minister supporting one of his alleged victims, saying he wanted to “repent before them as he…
The BelTelDonaldson Trial: Witness says she wishes she had “screamed”
A woman who claims former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson raped her as a child has told a court in Newry she regrets not contacting police sooner. Witness B said…
The BelTelNatalie McNally murderer McCullagh gets 31 years
Stephen McCullagh will do at least 31 years of jail time before he is even considered for release. 32-year-old Natalie McNally had been 15 weeks pregnant when…
The BelTelSuzanne Breen on the UUP: Beattie and Burrows battle it out
The UUP’s fortunes, or at least its leader’s, had been rising in the polls – but now the party is sinking into civil war. Its former leader Doug Beattie has…
The BelTelDonaldson Trial: Complainant describes alleged rape
A jury has heard a police interview recording of a woman who claims she was raped as a child by Jeffrey Donaldson. Jurors at Newry Crown Court heard…
The BelTelDonaldson Trial: Eleanor Donaldson “did nothing” when told of an allegation of abuse, Newry court hears
Eleanor Donaldson “did nothing” when told of an allegation of abuse by her husband, Jeffrey Donaldson, a court has heard. The claim from one of the alleged…
The BelTelFormer Free Presbyterian minister jailed with Ian Paisley ‘dares’ colleagues to expel him
Sixty years after being jailed with Ian Paisley, a veteran Free Presbyterian minister is daring his clerical colleagues to expel him. Now, the Rev Ivan Foster…
The BelTelDonaldson Trial: Wife planted bug in MP’s car over suspicions of an affair, Newry court hears
Jeffrey Donaldson’s wife planted a listening device in his car after becoming suspicious he was having affair with a constituent, a court in Newry has been…
The BelTelNoah Donohoe Inquest: Searching culvert “not a priority”
The inquest into the death of Noah Donohoe has been hearing its 17th week of evidence. This week the inquest heard a police constable say investigating the…
The BelTelThe very public break-up of Tommy Fleming and Tina Mitchell
Tommy Fleming has for decades been a star of international acclaim. The Sligo singer has played to sold out crowds, toured with Phil Coulter, and enjoyed much…
The BelTelDonaldson Trial: Jeffrey Donaldson asked alleged victim for forgiveness for ‘hurt and pain’ caused
The trial of Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex crimes has heard he wrote a letter to an alleged victim asking for forgiveness. The court was read the letter…
The BelTelDonaldson trial: Jury hears complainant wrote to defendants over “secret”
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson apologised to one of his alleged victims at a church retreat in the mid-1990s, a court heard today. Jurors were also told…
The BelTelDig begins for disappeared victim 29-year-old Seamus Maguire
A search has begun near the shores of Lough Neagh for one of the Disappeared. 29-year-old Seamus Maguire is thought to have been killed and secretly buried by…
The BelTelPat Finucane: Inquiry set to begin into the Belfast solicitor’s murder
The murder of Pat Finucane is one of the most notorious of the troubles. The 39-year-old Belfast solicitor was shot dead at his family home in north Belfast in…
The BelTelDonaldson trial to begin: Attorney General warns public of contempt laws
The trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and the trial of the facts of his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, will be heard together. Eleanor Donaldson, who had…
The BelTelNoah Donohoe inquest, week 16: Jury hears of ‘terrifying’ conditions
The jury in Noah Donohoe inquest have heard a sixteenth week of evidence. The schoolboy was just 14 when his naked body was found in the storm drain tunnel on…
The BelTelUlster's Lost Counties: Ed Burke on Loyalism and Paramilitarism in Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal
In 1920 a momentous decision was finalised - three Ulster counties, Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan would not be included in the new Northern Ireland. It was felt…
The BelTelTattle Life: Why the case against gossip site fell apart
Tattle Life is a self-described “commentary website”. Supporters of the site say it’s free speech, protects consumers, and that influencers are fair game, with…
The BelTel100 years of Fianna Fáil: The highs, the lows, the controversies
Fianna Fáil has turned the ripe old age of 100. But is the house that Éamon de Valera built in disarray? Irish Independent political correspondent John Downing…
The BelTelNoah Donohoe Inquest: Jury shown footage of Noah’s remains
The inquest into the death of Noah Donohoe is now in its 15th week. This week the jury has heard evidence from the PSNI officers who found Noah’s remains. It…
The BelTelDavid Graham: When my kids are 40 there won’t have been border poll, but unionism needs a reset
David Graham is a former DUP councillor, and a former advisor to education minister Peter Weir. He has been a teacher and has worked for both Linfield and…
The BelTelKew Files: Buried for decades, a mother’s harrowing letter amid officials’ Bloody Sunday papers
Top civil servants had debated whether to effectively admit that Bloody Sunday was not as Lord Widgery's whitewash had claimed. Documents uncovered in the…
The BelTel'All Ana wanted was a friend': Eight years on from the disturbing killing of Ana Kriegel
The murder of 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel remains one of the most disturbing crimes in Irish history. In May 2018, Ana was lured from her home by a local boy…
The BelTelSuzanne Breen on the ‘DUP Civil War’ - five years on
Five years ago, the DUP was in largest party in Northern Ireland, lurched to open civil war. The party had been led by Ian Paisley for 37 years – but an…
The BelTelNoah Donohoe Inquest: ‘I’ve f***ked it’ - Stormont employee’s panic over unlocked hatch
An access hatch on the inlet to a culvert in which Noah Donohoe was found should have been locked six months previously, an inquest into his death has heard…