Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson jailed for 15 years

Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, has been jailed for 15 years for sexual offences against two girls.

Donaldson, 63, was found guilty in June of 18 counts of sexual abuse, including one count of rape, committed between 1985 and 2008. At Newry Crown Court on Thursday he was sentenced to 11 years for offences against one woman and four years for offences against the other, to be served consecutively. He will remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

"Not one word of regret"

The judge, Paul Ramsey, said Donaldson had reached "the very height of public office" before a "catastrophic descent into disgrace", and had shown no remorse. "There has not been, and doubtless will not be, one word of regret, apology or shame from this man to at least provide his victims with some crumb of comfort," he said.

He paid tribute to the two women, who were in court. "It is only through the courage, resourcefulness and determination of two young women that you've been brought to justice in respect of the crimes you committed against them when they were children."

"The cycle ends with me"

Statements from the women were read outside court by Detective Chief Inspector Leah Crothers of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, who said: "No one is above the law."

One woman said: "I stood up many years ago because for me this is about drawing a line in the sand." The other said her childhood had been stolen. "The cycle is being broken and it ends with me."

Catherine Kierans, of the Public Prosecution Service, said: "This case shows that sexual abuse can be hidden behind a facade of respectability."

The DUP's response

The DUP said its former leader had committed "vile and disgusting crimes" and deserved "every day of the lengthy prison sentence". Donaldson has denied wrongdoing and plans to appeal.

The jury found that his wife, Eleanor, aided and abetted his offending. She was found unfit to stand trial on mental health grounds and faced a trial of the facts, which does not lead to a conviction. She is due back in court on 13 November.

A fall from power

Donaldson was MP for Lagan Valley for more than 25 years. He was knighted in 2016, became DUP leader in 2021 and played a key role in post-Brexit negotiations over Northern Ireland's trading arrangements, before resigning after his arrest in March 2024. The King stripped him of his knighthood in July.

Support

Anyone affected by sexual abuse can contact the NSPCC's helpline for adults on 0808 800 5000, or the National Association for People Abused in Childhood on 0808 801 0331. In Birmingham, specialist support is also available through local sexual violence services, and abuse can be reported to the police on 101.