Former DUP leader Donaldson sentenced to 15 years in prison for child sex abuse

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for a series of historical sex offences against two women when they were children. The sentence was delivered at Newry Crown Court by Judge Paul Ramsey, who noted that Donaldson, 63, had shown no “regret, apology or shame” after being convicted of 18 offences, including one count of rape, earlier this year. The judge highlighted that Donaldson had “doubled down on his denials” since his conviction for the offences, which occurred between 1985 and 2008. During the sentencing, Judge Ramsey stated that there had not been, and would not be, “one word of regret, apology or shame” from Donaldson to provide his victims with any form of comfort. He described the former MP’s career as reaching “the very heights of public office” before experiencing a “catastrophic descent into disgrace.” Donaldson, wearing a navy suit and a pink tie, showed no emotion when the sentence was passed. He has been in Maghaberry Prison in Co Antrim awaiting sentencing since the end of the trial in June. Both victims gave evidence against him during the trial. Complainant A described inappropriate touching and kissing by Donaldson, while Complainant B recounted being raped as a child of primary school age and later sexually assaulted by him. Both women were present in court on Thursday for the sentence 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 confirmed that papers have been lodged for an appeal. Eleanor Donaldson, 60, Donaldson’s wife, 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. Complainant A said her childhood was “stolen” from her and that the effects of the Donaldsons’ actions had bled into every part of her life. She described carrying shame, anger, and guilt for years and learning to survive by shutting away her emotions and trusting no one. Complainant B said Donaldson’s abuse affected “every relationship” she ever had and expressed difficulty in understanding trust or love. Statements from both victims were released after the sentencing and read out by Det Ch Insp Leah Crothers. Victim A emphasized that the conviction does not erase the abuse or undo the impact of what happened to her, but she stated that those responsible no longer control her. Victim B spoke about the lasting effects of the abuse, stating that it had taken away her ability to trust people and expressing a desire to draw a line in the sand to ensure the Donaldsons could no longer harm others. During the trial, Complainant A testified about an incident where Donaldson used a light to examine her genitals and another where he put his tongue in her mouth, which was laughed off by Donaldson and his wife. She also mentioned being touched on the breasts “skin on skin” when she was a child. A letter from Donaldson to Complainant A in June 2020 expressed “regret” for the hurt and distress he had caused, though he later replied saying he wanted to apologize and repent before them as he had before the Lord. Complainant B described vivid memories of being raped when she was of primary school age and being sexually assaulted when she was of secondary school age. She recalled Donaldson pulling her legs apart with his feet and raping her. Her testimony included the emotional impact on her family, particularly her husband, who became emotional recounting the moment his wife revealed the abuse. The trial also heard from a Presbyterian minister and his wife who had provided pastoral support to Complainant A and her husband after they disclosed the abuse. The minister testified that Donaldson had contacted him in 2023 requesting a meeting, which he declined, citing it as inappropriate. Donaldson was found guilty in June of 18 counts of sexual abuse, including one count of rape, spanning from 1985 to 2008. He has denied all wrongdoing and plans to appeal. The DUP stated that its former leader had committed “vile and disgusting crimes” and expressed sympathy for the complainants, noting that he deserved every day of the lengthy prison sentence he has to serve. The case has significantly impacted the reputation of a former establishment figure who was knighted and played a key role in post-Brexit negotiations over Northern Ireland’s position in the UK. The victims' courage in coming forward has been praised by officials, emphasizing that sexual abuse can be hidden behind a facade of respectability. Donaldson will likely serve seven-and-a-half years in prison due to automatic remission under current laws, with the remainder of his sentence spent on licence.