A former judge who conducted a major review of the sexual offences system in Northern Ireland has said the trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson 'struck a real blow' for victims. Sir John Gillen praised the 'immense courage' of the complainants in coming forward, adding that their actions have had a significant impact.
On Monday, a jury at Newry Crown Court unanimously found Donaldson guilty of 18 sex offences, including one count of rape, committed against two women when they were children between 1985 and 2008. The 63-year-old former political leader had denied all charges. Judge Paul Ramsey told Donaldson he can expect a 'lengthy' prison sentence.
Review of Sexual Offences Handling
Sir John led a comprehensive review of how sexual offences are handled in Northern Ireland’s courts, making 250 recommendations in 2019. He stated that approximately 86% of those recommendations have either been implemented or are about to be, describing a 'sea change' in the system.
Key changes include the exclusion of the public from all serious sexual offence hearings, anonymity for defendants before charge, continued anonymity for complainants after death, and increased penalties for breaching anonymity.
Impact on Victims and Culture
Speaking on BBC Northern Ireland’s Radio Ulster on Wednesday, Sir John said the trial and conviction demonstrated the effectiveness of these reforms. 'We have had a culture here in Northern Ireland which hasn’t properly heard women and girls and children in the past,' he said. 'They have endured sorrows that cannot talk. Well, I think this trial has struck a blow against that culture, and I think the process, the outcome, has all spoken to women and victims overall for the future.'
He added: 'I think the trial shows that the changes that have come about have been monumental in the way that criminal trials of serious sexual offences are dealt with. There is much to be done still. I’m not saying it’s perfect, I’m not saying it’s other than a difficult time for victims to come forward, but changes have been made.'
Concerns Over Rape Myths
Charity Nexus, which supports those impacted by sexual abuse, raised concerns about some questioning during the trial, alleging the 'pushing of rape myths' that can downplay trauma. Sir John acknowledged these concerns but emphasised that defendants have rights. 'An accused has to have his rights as well, and his counsel is entitled, on his instructions, to put forward these matters,' he said.
However, he noted that judges now address rape myths explicitly at the start of trials, instructing juries that victims often do not react as expected. 'Myths such as victims must cry out if they’re really being raped, that victims must report to police right away, that handsome young men don’t commit these sexual offences and so on, these have been challenged by the court system,' Sir John explained.
He concluded: 'Anyone who witnesses these trials will see now the sea change that has happened in the way that rape myths are dealt with. Still work to be done, but there has been a great change in how these myths are dealt with.'
