World · Europe · 1 hr ago
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson sentenced to 15 years in prison
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson was sentenced to 15 years in prison at Newry courthouse in Northern Ireland.
The 63-year-old was convicted of 18 child sex offences, including rape, after a four-week trial.
The sentence covers offences against two victims who were children; the victims’ identities are protected by law.
The judge imposed 11 years for offences against one victim and four years for offences against the other, to be served one after the other.
He said the victims’ young age, the long period of offending and Donaldson’s continued denials were aggravating factors.
The judge said the abuse and trial had deeply affected the victims, whose statements described lasting distress.
Donaldson has lodged an appeal against his conviction.
Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexual offences against two victims who were children at the time.
The offences took place between 1985 and 2008, and Donaldson was convicted in June of 18 counts, including rape.
Judge Paul Ramsey said the case represented a “catastrophic descent into disgrace”.
Donaldson denied the charges and plans to appeal his convictions.
His wife, Eleanor, was found to have aided and abetted his offending but was deemed unfit to stand trial on mental health grounds.
- Who
- Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party.
- What
- He was sentenced to 15 years in prison for 18 sexual offences against two victims.
- When
- Thursday, 15 October 2026. The offences took place between 1985 and 2008.
- Where
- Newry Crown Court, Northern Ireland.
- Why
- He was convicted of rape, indecent assault and gross indecency offences against two victims who were children at the time.
Jeffrey Donaldson
Prosecution and court
Central issue
Jeffrey Donaldson
Donaldson denied the charges and plans to appeal his convictions.
Prosecution and court
The jury found Donaldson guilty of 18 offences, and the judge sentenced him to 15 years in prison.
Account of the case
Jeffrey Donaldson
Donaldson said he did not commit the offences.
Prosecution and court
The prosecution presented evidence from the two victims, and the jury convicted him.
Donaldson was arrested and charged.
A jury convicted Donaldson of 18 sexual offences.
Judge Paul Ramsey sentenced Donaldson to 15 years in prison at Newry Crown Court.
- Sentence
- 15 years in prison
- Convictions
- 18 counts, including one count of rape
- Victims
- Two
- Offence period
- 1985 to 2008
- Court
- Newry Crown Court
- Appeal
- Donaldson plans to appeal his convictions
6 sources
Northern Ireland’s Donaldson jailed for 15 years for child sex offences
Ex-leader of Northern Ireland’s largest unionist party sentenced to 15 years for sex abuse
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson sentenced to 15 years for child sexual offences
Jeffrey Donaldson: Former DUP leader being sentenced for child sex abuse
Jeffrey Donaldson sentenced to 15 years in prison for historical child sex crimes
Donaldson to be sentenced for rape and sexual assault
What people are saying
a catastrophic descent into disgrace
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
justice has been done
Every day I pray God will let me die