The judge at Newry Crown Court has several options available in place of a conventional sentence for Lady Eleanor Donaldson, who was found by a jury this week to have aided and abetted her husband Sir Jeffrey Donaldson’s sex offending. These options include issuing a number of treatment orders or granting an absolute discharge.
Background of the Case
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson was found guilty on Monday of 18 sex offences against two women when they were children, including one count of rape. The offences occurred between 1985 and 2008. Eleanor Donaldson, 60, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, faced a trial of the facts after being found medically unable to participate in the trial. The process tested the evidence but could not result in a criminal conviction.
Court Proceedings
While she was not present in court, she was legally represented and her barrister Ian Turkington KC cross-examined the two victims and made legal submissions. She had faced a number of charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s offending, and the jury found that she “did the acts”.
Sentencing Options
While Jeffrey Donaldson was warned he is facing a “lengthy” prison term when he is sentenced later in the year, his wife could instead face a treatment order. Judge Paul Ramsey could impose a medical order as set out by the relevant legislation. These orders are designed to protect the public in circumstances where it is required. This could include being committed to hospital, being subject to a guardianship order, or being subject to a supervision and treatment order. If none of those are required, the defendant would be absolutely discharged.
