Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of 18 sexual abuse charges, one of which includes rape, involving two women who were minors at the time of the incidents. The 63-year-old former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) maintained a stoic demeanor during the proceedings at Newry Crown Court on Monday.
His spouse, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, faced a trial of the facts due to mental health considerations. The jury determined she committed the acts associated with her five charges, which included four counts of aiding and abetting her husband’s crimes. The jury deliberated for three days before reaching their conclusion.
Judge Paul Ramsey remanded the former politician into custody, with sentencing scheduled for September. Complainant A, one of the two victims, reported eight offenses occurring between 1999 and 2008. Complainant B testified regarding ten offenses, including rape, spanning 1985 to 1991. Both victims detailed instances where Lady Eleanor Donaldson witnessed the abuse without intervening.
Current DUP leader Gavin Robinson condemned the actions as heinous, advocating for the removal of Donaldson’s knighthood and Privy Council membership. Robinson highlighted the immense courage shown by the victims who faced years of legal challenges. Similarly, the victims’ commissioner for Northern Ireland and advocacy groups like the NSPCC and Nexus NI praised the survivors for their endurance throughout the two-year judicial process.
