Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson to be sentenced today for child sexual abuse

Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson will be sentenced today at Newry Crown Court for the sexual abuse of two women when they were children.

Donaldson, 63, was convicted earlier this year of 18 sex offences, including one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency. The convictions relate to abuse that began when the victims were of primary‑school age.

During the trial, Complainant A described inappropriate touching, kissing and an incident where Donaldson used a light to examine her genitals. Complainant B testified that she had been raped as a child and later sexually assaulted by Donaldson.

Donaldson has been held in Maghaberry prison awaiting sentencing. His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, 60, was found to have aided and abetted the offences after a trial of the facts was granted on mental‑health grounds.

At a pre‑sentence hearing last month, Donaldson’s barrister Kieran Vaughan KC acknowledged the seriousness of the offences and said a lengthy custodial term was expected, noting Donaldson’s previous good character but stressing that the convictions “obliterate all those achievements he has made in his life”.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Following NYC / Pexels.