A judge has described Jeffrey Donaldson’s “catastrophic descent into disgrace” as he sentenced the former DUP leader to 15 years for historical sex offences against two women when they were children.
A senior police officer said the conviction and sentencing of the ex-MP shows that “no-one is above the law”.
Judge Paul Ramsey told Newry Crown Court that Donaldson, 63, had shown no “regret, apology or shame” after he was convicted of 18 offences, including one count of rape, earlier this year.
Responding to the sentence, the DUP said the former party leader deserved every day of his sentence.
Donaldson qualifies for an automatic 50% remission of his sentence, meaning he will spend seven-and-a-half years in prison and seven-and-a-half years on licence.
Handing down the sentence, the judge told Donaldson he had “doubled down on his denials” since his conviction for the offences committed between 1985 and 2008.
Judge Ramsey said: “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.”
Telling the former MP to stand in the dock before passing sentence, the judge told Donaldson: “You are now 63 years of age. It is well known that you, in the course of your political career, have reached the very heights of public office, and this is, on any view, a catastrophic descent into disgrace.
“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.
“You persistently denied these offences and continued to do so, but you’ve been found guilty by a jury, and it’s now my duty to sentence you for these crimes.”
Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at Newry Crown Court for an earlier hearing (PA)
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Donaldson, wearing a navy suit and a pink tie, showed no emotion when the sentence was passed.
The former Lagan Valley MP has been in Maghaberry Prison in Co Antrim awaiting sentencing since the end of the trial in June.
The two victims gave evidence against him during the trial.
Complainant A gave evidence of inappropriate touching and kissing by Donaldson, and an incident where he used a light to examine her genitals.
Complainant B told the trial she had been raped as a child of primary school age by Donaldson and later sexually assaulted by him.
A prison van, believed to be carrying former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, arrives at Newry Crown Court ahead of his sentencing (Liam McBurney/PA)
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Both women were in court on Thursday for the sentencing hearing. Complainant B wept at points during the proceedings.
Donaldson had denied the offences but the jury convicted him of one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency.
Since his conviction, he has been stripped of his knighthood and removed from the Privy Council.
His solicitor has previously confirmed that papers have been lodged for an appeal.
His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, 60, was found to have aided and abetted his crimes after a trial of the facts – which was granted on mental health grounds.
She cannot be given a prison sentence, but could be given a treatment order or an absolute discharge.
The judge is due to decide on this at a later date.
She has also lodged an appeal against the outcome of her trial of the facts.
Both victims issued statements through the police following the sentencing of Jeffrey Donaldson.
Detective Chief Inspector Leah Crothers speaking to the media outside Newry Crown Court (Liam McBurney/PA)
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Complainant A said her childhood was “stolen” from her.
“I will never get it back,” she said.
“The effects of the Donaldsons’ actions have bled into every part of my life.
“Although the offences happened in the past, their impact did not end when the abuse ended.
“For years I carried shame, anger and guilt, and questioned whether I was worth protecting or worthy of being loved. I learnt to survive by shutting away my emotions, trusting no one and expecting people to hurt me.
“I became strong, resilient and fiercely independent, but those qualities came at a cost. I should never have had to become this strong.”
She said the Donaldsons “do not control me now”.
“They forever changed me, but they will not take my future. The cycle is being broken and it ends with me,” she added.
Complainant B has said Donaldson’s abuse affected “every relationship” she ever had.
“At times I wonder who I would be if this hadn’t happened to me,” she said.
“What would it be like not to be afraid at night, not to wake up shaking, not to have nightmares and not to lock away every feeling I have?
“What happened took away my ability to trust people and, in all honesty, I don’t think I really know what trust or love truly is. Nothing can ever change what was done to me. I wish it could.”
Catherine Kierans, head of the Public Prosecution Service Serious Crime Unit, speaking to the media outside Newry Crown Court (Liam McBurney/PA).
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In a statement, the DUP 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 head of Northern Ireland’s Public Prosecution Service (PPS) Serious Crime Unit, Catherine Kierans, said Jeffrey Donaldson’s victims continued to live with the “profound and lasting harm” he inflicted on them.
“Despite the devastation he has caused, he has never accepted responsibility for his offending, nor shown any remorse,” she said.
“Jeffrey Donaldson held a prominent public position. This case shows that sexual abuse can be hidden behind a facade of respectability. It also shows that no individual, irrespective of their position, status or public reputation, is beyond the reach of the law.”
Senior investigating officer for this case, Detective Chief Inspector Leah Crothers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Public Protection Branch, said Donaldson “manipulated both young victims and exploited the trust they had in him for his own sexual gain”.
She added: “The police service and our criminal justice system has sent a clear message, no-one is above the law.”