Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson sentenced to 15 years for rape and child sexual abuse

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for rape and sexual assault. Donaldson was given an eleven year sentence for the rape of a young girl, and a four year sentence for the indecent assault of a second girl.

However, due to the crimes taking place before the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008, Donaldson will only serve seven and a half years in prison. He qualifies for an automatic 50% remission of his sentence.

He will be required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The former politician was convicted in June at Newry Crown Court, after being found guilty by a jury of a total of 18 charges. These included one count of rape, 13 of indecent assault, and four counts of gross indecency involving the two victims.

His period of offence occured between 1985 to 2008, during which both victims had been primary school age.

His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, was also found guilty of aiding and abetting his criminal behaviour. This was found during a non-criminal process, known as a trial of facts.

She did not attend the trial, due to mental health concerns, however her legal representation was present. She will have a separate hearing on November 13.

Throughout the process, Donaldson has consistently denied his crimes. Judge Paul Ramsey mentioned his lack of remorse and empathy during sentencing.

"He has doubled down on his denials.

"There has not been and there will not be a word of apology or shame to offer his victims even a crumb of comfort."

Ramsey praised the two women's bravery for reporting the crimes.

"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."

Following the hearing, DCI Leah Crothers of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), shared statements written by the two victims. These statements detailed the trauma and hardship they continue to experience as a result of the assaults.

Complainant A said her childhood had been stolen.

"I learned to survive by shutting away my emotions, trusting no one and expecting people to hurt me … I should never have had to become this strong.

"The last few years have been nothing short of a battle … But those responsible do not control me now … The cycle is being broken and it ends with me."

Complainant B said the abuse had taken away her ability to be able to trust people.

"I stood up many years ago because for me this is about drawing a line in the sand and knowing that the Donaldsons can no longer hurt anyone else."

The DUP condemned the former party leader's actions, calling them "vile and disgusting crimes."

"He deserves every day of the lengthy prison sentence he has to serve following the guilty verdict for preying on innocent child victims," the party said.