Jeffrey Donaldson to be Sentenced for Historical Sex Offences

Judge Ramsey declared, "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." He added, "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."

The court heard harrowing evidence from both victims. They detailed sexual assault, inappropriate touching, and rape, with offences committed between 1985 and 2008. Victims had previously disclosed abuse to church officials.

Complainant A described inappropriate touching, kissing, and a medical examination using a light by Donaldson. This abuse stretched from primary school age to between 1999 and 2008.

Complainant A stated, "The effects of the Donaldsons’ actions have bled into every part of my life." She added, "Although the offences happened in the past, their impact did not end when the abuse ended." Victim 2 expressed the profound impact of the abuse, stating, "Every day I pray God will let me die."

Both victims were present in the public gallery during the sentencing. Detective Chief Inspector Leah Crothers read statements on behalf of the victims to the press.

Donaldson's wife was found to have aided and abetted him, but was too ill to stand trial. Papers have been lodged for an appeal by Jeffrey Donaldson's solicitor, with Donaldson himself claiming he seeks to appeal his convictions.

Kieran Vaughan KC, representing Donaldson, acknowledged the gravity of the convictions. Vaughan stated, "These convictions obliterate all those achievements he has made in his life," also referencing Donaldson's "previous good character."

The Democratic Unionist Party issued a statement. It asserted, "Today justice has been done with the sentencing of Jeffrey Donaldson for his vile and disgusting crimes against his victims." The party added, "Regardless of status or position every individual must be held accountable for their actions."

The DUP extended its thoughts to the victims. It stated, "Our first thoughts are again with the innocent victims, who having suffered such evil, were re-traumatised through giving evidence at the trial." The party expressed hope that the victims "can find some measure of comfort and can look ahead to a new chapter in their lives."

Donaldson spends up to 18 hours a day in his cell at Maghaberry prison. He is believed to have been placed in the Moyola Unit for his own safety, which primarily houses prisoners with health issues.

Donaldson led the DUP from 2021 until March 2024, when he was charged with sexual offences of a historical nature. He had previously led the DUP back into devolved institutions at Stormont after a two-year boycott of powersharing.

He was elected for the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) as an MLA in South Down in 1985. He later defected to the DUP in 2003. Donaldson was a senior member of the UUP's negotiating delegation for the Good Friday Agreement and was involved in negotiations for the DUP/Conservative confidence and supply agreement in 2017.

Donaldson subsequently asked for his knighthood to be forfeited and tendered his resignation from the Privy Council with immediate effect. Jim Gamble, former senior police officer and head of INEQE Safeguarding Group, will lead the DUP's review into Donaldson's conduct.

The Northern Ireland Survivor Council has expressed concern about INEQE Safeguarding Group conducting reviews for both the DUP and the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Judge Ramsey concluded, "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."