Ex-DUP Leader Jeffrey Donaldson convicted of child sex abuse
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty on 18 counts of sexual abuse, including rape, committed against two women while they were children.
The 63-year-old former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) showed no emotion as the verdicts were delivered at Newry Crown Court on Monday, sitting in the dock with his hands clasped.
His wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, also faced proceedings on a trial of facts due to mental health considerations. The jury was asked to determine whether she carried out the alleged actions. They concluded that she was responsible for all five charges against her, including four counts of aiding and abetting her husband’s offences.
The seven men and five women on the jury deliberated for around 10 hours over three days before reaching their verdicts.
Donaldson, dressed in a dark suit, remained expressionless as each guilty verdict was announced. He stood in the dock between custody officers while the court was addressed.
Following the ruling, Judge Paul Ramsey remanded him in custody and instructed officers to take him down. He is due to be sentenced in September and was warned he faces a lengthy prison term. He was later transported from the courthouse in a prison van.
The case involved two complainants, referred to as Complainant A and Complainant B.
Complainant A, the younger of the two, was the victim of eight offences between 1999 and 2008. In evidence presented to the court, she described inappropriate sexual contact, including kissing, touching, and incidents that left her frightened. She also told police that Lady Eleanor Donaldson witnessed one of the incidents but did not intervene.
The remaining 10 charges, including rape, related to Complainant B and occurred between 1985 and 1991. She gave evidence describing repeated sexual abuse, including rape and other assaults, and also alleged that Lady Donaldson was present during one incident but failed to act.
Following the conviction, current DUP leader Gavin Robinson described the offences as “evil” and “heinous,” calling for Donaldson to be stripped of his knighthood and Privy Council membership. He said the party acted quickly after his arrest and suspension, and that the revelations had shocked both the party and the public.
Robinson added that Donaldson had abused positions of power over several decades and attempted to conceal his actions, while emphasising the courage of the victims in coming forward.
Victims’ advocates and support organisations also praised the complainants for their bravery in giving evidence, noting the emotional toll of lengthy court proceedings.
The Northern Ireland Victims of Crime Commissioner said the case highlighted the importance of improving the justice process to reduce delays and further trauma for survivors.
Charities supporting abuse victims, including NSPCC Northern Ireland and Nexus NI, commended the courage of those involved, stressing the importance of ensuring survivors feel able to report abuse and seek justice despite the challenges of the legal system.
Source: BBC
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