Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson sentenced to 15 years, had plans to move to North Africa

Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment after being convicted of 18 historic sexual offences involving two girls.

Judge Paul Ramsey ordered that half of the term be served in prison, with the balance to be served on licence in the community, and required Donaldson to register on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The convictions, handed down in June, relate to offences against two victims identified in court as Victim A and Victim B. Donaldson received an 11‑year term for the offences against Victim B and a four‑year term for those against Victim A.

According to Irish Daily Mail political editor Craig Hughes, the newspaper reported on Saturday that Donaldson had prepared to relocate to Northern Africa if he were acquitted, with potential employment already arranged. Hughes said Donaldson “did not think he was going to be found guilty” and was planning to start a new life there after the trial.

Donaldson has denied the charges and intends to appeal the convictions. While in custody he has been reported to read his Bible each night, but Hughes added that the former leader has shown no contrition for the crimes.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Kabyle Sauvage / Pexels.