Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been given a 15-year jail sentence for a series of historical sex offences against two women when they were children.
Judge Paul Ramsey told Newry Crown Court that Donaldson had shown no “regret, apology or shame” after he was convicted of 18 offences, including one count of rape, earlier this year.
Judge's remarks
Handing down the sentence, the judge told Donaldson he had “doubled down on his denials” since his conviction for the offences committed between 1985 and 2008.
“There has not been, and doubtless will not be, one word of regret, apology or shame from this man to at least provide his victims with some crumb of comfort,” he said.
He said Donaldson had reached the heights of public office during his career but had now experienced a “catastrophic descent into disgrace”.
Victims' impact statements
Both victims issued statements through the police following the sentencing. Complainant A said her childhood was “stolen” from her. “I will never get it back,” she said. “The effects of the Donaldsons’ actions have bled into every part of my life.”
Complainant B said Donaldson’s abuse affected “every relationship” she ever had. “At times I wonder who I would be if this hadn’t happened to me,” she said.
Reactions and next steps
In a statement, the DUP said: “Today justice has been done with the sentencing of Jeffrey Donaldson for his vile and disgusting crimes against his victims.” The party added: “He deserves every day of the lengthy prison sentence he has to serve following the guilty verdict for preying on innocent child victims.”
His solicitor has previously confirmed that papers have been lodged for an appeal. His wife Eleanor Donaldson, 60, was found to have aided and abetted his crimes after a trial of the facts, which was granted on mental health grounds. She cannot be given a prison sentence but could be given a treatment order or an absolute discharge. The judge is due to decide on this at a later date.
