Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson is jailed for 15 years for child sex abuse offences

Former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Jeffrey Donaldson has been jailed for 15 years for child sex offences after being convicted of assaulting two women when they were minors.

Donaldson, 63, was unanimously convicted in July of 18 offences including rape, which took place over a 23-year campaign of abuse which was covered up by his wife Eleanor.

The crimes related to two women when they were children and included one count of rape, 13 of indecent assault and four of gross indecency, between 1985 and 2008.

He was arrested and charged in 2024, when he was one of Northern Ireland's most famous politicians.

Donaldson denied the charges against him, claiming they were 'unbelievable', but a jury saw through his claims in July. He has since pledged to appeal his convictions.

Separately, his wife was found to have aided and abetted him by turning a blind eye despite witnessing some of the abuse, but was too ill to stand trial.

Donaldson's crimes included kissing one victim, Victim A, and putting his tongue in her mouth when she was of primary school age. He also put his hands up her top to grope her.

The second victim, Victim B, was also in primary school when he raped her. He indecently assaulted her on nine occasions, including once in front of his own wife.

'Every day I pray God will let me die,' she told the court today in a written victim impact statement. 

When Donaldson's wife witnessed one of the assaults, instead of intervening, she walked away and pulled the door shut behind her. 

Sentencing Donaldson at Newry Crown Court on Thursday, Judge Paul Ramsey said the 'disturbing' case has seen Donaldson 'stoutly' deny his guilt and show a lack of responsibility for his offending or empathy for his victims.

Harrowing victim impact statements read out in court described how Victim A has been left with ongoing anxiety, nightmares and extremely low self worth.

The court was told she grew up feeling dirty and ashamed, and carried high levels of anger.

Meanwhile Victim B said in her statement the abuse had affected every relationship she has ever had.

'Every day I pray God will let me die,' she added. 'I wonder what it is like not to be afraid at night.'

Judge Ramsey jailed Donaldson for 11 years for the offences committed against Victim B, and four years for those against Victim A. The sentences will run consecutively.

He told Donaldson he had 'doubled down on his denials' since his conviction, and that he had been assessed as medium risk of reoffending.

'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 said Donaldson had experienced a 'catastrophic descent into disgrace'.

The former politician remained emotionless before being returned to custody to begin his sentence. 

Donaldson was first elected to Parliament in 1997 and was the longest-serving Northern Ireland MP, representing Lagan Valley in County Down.

He resigned as head of the DUP, which had since launched a 'focused, independent review' to establish what was known within the party about Donaldson's conduct.

After his conviction, Donaldson was stripped of his knighthood. 

Speaking outside court on Thursday, Det Ch Insp Leah Crothers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said both of his victims have 'suffered immeasurably as they come to terms with what has happened to them as children. He robbed them both of their childhood and innocence.'

She added: 'The police service and our criminal justice system has sent a clear message: No-one is above the law.'

After the sentencing, the DUP said Donaldson 'deserves every day of the lengthy prison service he has to serve'.

A spokesperson said: 'Today justice has been done with the sentencing of Jeffrey Donaldson for his vile and disgusting crimes against his victims.

'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.'

The party added: '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.'

The Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, which Donaldson was previously affiliated with, Jon Burrows said: 'My thoughts remain with the two brave women whose courage brought him to justice, and with their families.

'No sentence can give back what was taken from them. But today's outcome is the clearest possible statement that no office, no status and no reputation places anyone above the law, and that the courage of victims who come forward will be met with the full weight of justice.'

Mr Burrows added that the UUP's own independent safeguarding review into Donaldson's years within the party continues, adding: 'The party will act on whatever it finds.'

The UUP leader also paid tribute to the 'profound service' of charities and support organisations for survivors of historical abuse.

Following the sentencing, NSPCC Northern Ireland said Donaldson 'betrayed the trust placed in him as a public figure'.

In a statement, it said: 'Both women showed incredible courage in giving evidence, and we hope they can now begin to move forward in their lives knowing their abuser has been held accountable.

'Child sexual abuse can have a devastating impact on victims, and it is vital they receive the support they need.

'This case highlights that no matter how long ago the abuse took place, or who the perpetrator is, those who come forward will be listened to and can see justice served.'

The charity said adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or via help@nspcc.org.uk. Children should phone 0800 1111 or go to the charity's website.