The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has said “justice has been done” after former leader Jeffrey Donaldson was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a series of historical sex offences against two women when they were children.
Donaldson was sentenced at Newry Crown Court. His conviction has triggered a political earthquake in Northern Ireland and prompted a series of reviews into his behaviour, including within the DUP and the Ulster Unionist Party, in the Stormont Assembly, and by the Northern Ireland Civil Service after his time as a junior minister.
Unprecedented review into conduct
DUP leader Gavin Robinson previously described the review to establish what was known within the DUP about Donaldson’s conduct as “unprecedented”. The review will be led by Jim Gamble, a former senior police officer and current head of the INEQE Safeguarding Group.
The Northern Ireland Survivor Council had expressed “concern” because INEQE is also undertaking a safeguarding review of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and it had emerged that Donaldson’s victims had previously disclosed to church officials that they had been abused. They have queried whether one organisation can independently and robustly conduct both reviews.
Party statement on sentencing
In a statement, the DUP described Donaldson’s crimes as “vile and disgusting”. The party said: “Our first thoughts are again with the innocent victims who, having suffered such evil, were re-traumatised through giving evidence at the trial.
“They deserve our compassion, support and respect. We hope they can find some measure of comfort and can look ahead to a new chapter in their lives.
“Regardless of status or position every individual must be held accountable for their actions.
“He deserves every day of the lengthy prison sentence he has to serve following the guilty verdict for preying on innocent child victims.”
