FORMER DUP LEADER JEFFREY DONALDSON JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

Jeffrey Donaldson, who led the Democratic Unionist Party between 2021 and 2024, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for historical sexual offences against two women committed while they were children. He was convicted in June on one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency, amounting to 18 offences. The offences took place between 1985 and 2008. A jury returned unanimous verdicts on every count, according to reports. The sentencing hearing took place several months after the conviction was secured in June.

According to reports, the offences formed part of a campaign of abuse lasting 23 years. Reports said Donaldson's wife, Eleanor, was aware of the abuse and acted to conceal it during that period. The two women were children when the abuse against them began, with the offending continuing until 2008. The Democratic Unionist Party, which Donaldson later led, is one of Northern Ireland's largest political parties.

Donaldson led the Democratic Unionist Party for three years, between 2021 and 2024, before leaving the position. His tenure as party leader came after the offences had already taken place, with the most recent dating to 2008. The 15-year prison sentence brings to a close the criminal case that began with his conviction on all 18 charges in June. Reports have not detailed whether any appeal is planned against the conviction or sentence.