Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, the former leader of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), was convicted on June 22 of 18 child sexual offences including one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault, and four counts of gross indecency against two female victims [1, 2, 3, 4].
The crimes spanned from 1985 to 2008, involving victims identified as Complainant A and Complainant B. Complainant B described being raped while in primary school and subjected to assaults during secondary school [1, 5].
The trial, which lasted four weeks, took place at Newry Crown Court in Northern Ireland. Donaldson maintained his innocence and appeared composed throughout the proceedings [1, 5, 2].
Donaldson’s wife, Eleanor, 60, was found to have aided and abetted the offences but was deemed unfit to stand trial on mental health grounds. She instead faced a trial of facts [1, 2, 3, 4].
Donaldson resigned as DUP leader and Member of Parliament following his arrest in March 2024. He had played a prominent role in unionist politics including post-Brexit negotiations and the Windsor Framework [1, 2, 4].
Following the verdict, DUP leaders denounced Donaldson as a “wicked deceiver” and “evil sexual predator.” Deputy leader Michelle McIlveen said he had “abused positions of trust and power” over many years while Jonathan Buckley called him a “fraudulent monster.” The party also called for the stripping of Donaldson’s knighthood, awarded in 2016 [3].
Rosemary Walsh KC, representing the victims, stated, “The sexual abuse they suffered has consequences – consequences that cannot be ignored and brushed under the carpet any longer.” Complainant B added, “What happened that night will live with me for ever” [1].
Donaldson has been remanded in custody pending sentencing, with the judge indicating a lengthy prison term is inevitable [1, 3, 4]. Sentencing is scheduled for September 25, 2026 [4].
