Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of Northern Ireland’s largest unionist party, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the rape and sexual abuse of two women who were children at the time of the offenses. The convictions, which include 18 counts of sexual abuse occurring between 1985 and 2008, were handed down at Newry crown court. The judge described the crimes as representing a catastrophic descent into disgrace.
Donaldson was deemed unfit to stand trial on mental health grounds and instead faced a trial of the facts, which tests evidence but does not result in a criminal conviction. During the four-week trial, a jury also found that his wife, Eleanor, aided and abetted her husband's offending.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has disowned its former leader and condemned his crimes. However, the party has faced backlash from supporters amid allegations that it turned a blind eye to other misbehaviour by Donaldson, including drunkenness and sexual harassment.
The judge noted that Donaldson never apologised to his victims. As the former political figure begins his sentence, he is seeking to appeal his convictions.