Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson jailed for 15 years over historical sex offences

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been handed a 15 year sentence at Newry Crown Court for a series of historical sex offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children.

Donaldson, 63, was convicted in June of 18 sex offences, including one count of rape, relating to the abuse of two women when they were children.

The offences were committed between 1985 and 2008.

The former Lagan Valley MP has been in Maghaberry Prison in Co Antrim awaiting sentencing since the end of the trial.

The two victims gave evidence against him earlier this year.

Complainant A gave evidence of inappropriate touching and kissing by Donaldson and an incident where he used a light to examine her genitals.

Complainant B told the trial she had been raped as a child of primary school age by Donaldson and later sexually assaulted by him.

Judge Paul Ramsey said Jeffrey Donaldson had “doubled down on his denials” since his conviction.

“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 said.

He said Donaldson had experienced a “catastrophic descent into disgrace”.

Jeffrey Donaldson “deserves every day of the lengthy prison service he has to serve”, the Democratic Unionist Party has said after sentencing.

In a statement, the DUP said: “Today justice has been done with the sentencing of Jeffrey Donaldson for his vile and disgusting crimes against his victims.

“Our first thoughts are again with the innocent victims, who having suffered such evil, were re-traumatised through giving evidence at the trial.

“They deserve our compassion, support and respect. We hope they can find some measure of comfort and can look ahead to a new chapter in their lives.”

The party added: “Regardless of status or position every individual must be held accountable for their actions.

“He deserves every day of the lengthy prison sentence he has to serve following the guilty verdict for preying on innocent child victims.”