Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been warned he faces a 'lengthy' prison term after a jury at Newry Crown Court convicted him of 18 historical sexual offences against two women when they were children. The 63-year-old ex-MP was found guilty of one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault, and four counts of gross indecency, spanning from 1985 to 2008. His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, 60, was found to have aided and abetted his crimes following a trial of the facts, though she could not be criminally convicted due to mental health grounds.
Verdict and Immediate Aftermath
Donaldson, dressed in a dark blue suit, white shirt, and pink tie, showed no reaction as the verdicts were read. He stood with his hands folded in front of him. Judge Paul Ramsey expressed gratitude to the jury, who were granted lifetime exemption from jury service. The judge stated that a custodial sentence was inevitable and would be 'lengthy'. Donaldson was remanded into custody and will be placed on the sex offender register. Sentencing will occur later this year, with a review hearing on September 11 and a pre-sentencing hearing on September 25 at the same court.
Evidence and Testimony
During the trial, Complainant A gave evidence of inappropriate touching and kissing by Donaldson, as well as an incident where he used a light to examine her genitals. Complainant B testified that she was raped by Donaldson as a child of primary school age and later sexually assaulted by him. Donaldson spent two days giving evidence, repeatedly denying all allegations. The jury deliberated for just over 10 hours before reaching their verdicts.
Political Reactions
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane said his thoughts were with the victims, stating: 'First and foremost our thoughts are with the victims, I think they deserve huge credit and continued support for the bravery that they have shown in putting themselves forward and stepping forward to give evidence to enter into the criminal justice process.' Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows added: 'Today a jury has found Jeffrey Donaldson guilty on all charges. These are among the gravest crimes imaginable, committed against the most vulnerable by a man who spent his career demanding the public's trust.'
