Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots has condemned former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, stating that he “destroyed the innocence of children” following his conviction for 18 child sex offences, including rape. Poots, who previously defeated Donaldson in the 2021 DUP leadership contest, made the remarks in a social media post after Donaldson was remanded in custody.
Poots's Statement on Donaldson's Crimes
In his post, Poots quoted the Bible, saying: “The Lord Jesus Christ said of those who harm children ‘that it would be better for them if a millstone was put around their neck and they were cast in the depth of the sea’.” He added that Donaldson “has spent his first night in prison, he will have many more to come with time to contemplate the enormity of his crimes against young girls.”
Poots also accused Donaldson of lying when “faced with the consequences of his actions,” forcing his victims to relive trauma and accusing them of lying. “I found Donaldson out on lies too many times over many years, though I could never have imagined he could have been so depraved,” Poots wrote.
Conviction and Sentencing
Donaldson was unanimously convicted by a jury at Newry Crown Court this week for 18 offences, including rape, committed against two women when they were children. The former MP has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced later this year.
Poots, who served as DUP leader for a brief period in 2021 before being replaced by Donaldson, now holds the position of Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly. He expressed support for the victims, stating: “My heart goes out to the victims of his abuse. They demonstrated honesty, resilience, strength and integrity. I hope they have peace. He may have broke them as children but failed to break them as adults.”
