Jeffrey Donaldson, aged 63, has been found guilty of 18 counts of child sex abuse, including one count of rape, in a verdict announced on Monday. The trial took place at Newry Crown Court in Northern Ireland, lasting several weeks.
This case has shocked the region due to Donaldson’s significant political influence as the former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party and a strong advocate for Northern Ireland’s union with the United Kingdom. He gained prominence during the Troubles and was the longest-serving member of Parliament in Northern Ireland until his sudden resignation in 2024 amid a police investigation.
The BBC reported that accusations against Donaldson involved sexual abuse of two victims from 1985 to 2000.
In March 2024, Donaldson faced charges related to child sex offenses, leading to his resignation from party leadership. The Democratic Unionist Party stated online that it was suspending him following confirmation of charges. This statement has since been removed.
The case also implicated Donaldson’s wife, Eleanor Donaldson, who was accused of aiding and abetting the abuse. Although charged alongside her husband, she was declared unfit for trial earlier this year. Both denied all charges, and Donaldson showed no emotion as the verdict was delivered on Monday. He is currently in custody, awaiting sentencing later this year.
Ali Watkins, reporting for The Times from Belfast, covered the news.
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