Jeffrey Donaldson found guilty of child sexual offences including rape
Summary
Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), was found guilty of multiple child sexual offences including rape. The crimes took place between 1985 and 2008, involving two victims who were children at the time. Donaldson's wife was found to have aided him but was not convicted due to mental health issues.Key Facts
- Jeffrey Donaldson was convicted of 18 sexual offences including rape and indecent assault.
- The offences involved two victims who were children during the abuse.
- The trial lasted four weeks and was held at Newry crown court.
- Donaldson pleaded not guilty but was found guilty by a jury of 12 people.
- One victim reported being raped as a primary school child; the other described repeated abuse.
- Donaldson’s wife, Eleanor, was found to have helped him but was not criminally charged due to mental health.
- Donaldson resigned from the DUP and stepped down as an MP after his arrest in March 2024.
- The abuse was reported to police in 2024 after victims came forward as adults.
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