Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson was convicted earlier this year of 18 historical sex offences following a trial. The charges involved two women, identified in court as Complainant A and Complainant B, who testified that Donaldson abused them when they were children. Donaldson has been held at Maghaberry Prison in County Antrim since June while awaiting sentencing.
The legal proceedings stem from reports made to police in 2024. During the trial, Complainant A testified to abuse beginning when she was of primary school age, including incidents of indecent assault and gross indecency occurring between 1999 and 2008. Complainant B testified to ten offences, including one count of rape and nine counts of indecent assault, dating from 1985 to 1991.
Prosecution barrister Rosemary Walsh KC presented evidence including a 2020 letter from Donaldson to Complainant A expressing "regret" for "pain and distress." The court also heard from witnesses regarding a meeting in the 1990s where Donaldson reportedly apologized to Complainant B. Donaldson spent two days in the witness box during his trial, where he denied all allegations of abuse.
At a pre-sentence hearing in September 2026, the court heard victim impact statements. Complainant B stated the incidents affected every relationship she has had since, while Complainant A said she felt her "childhood was stolen." Donaldson’s barrister, Kieran Vaughan KC, acknowledged that the court would impose a "lengthy custodial sentence" but noted Donaldson's previous good character and lack of offending in the last 18 years.
Donaldson remains in custody at Maghaberry Prison. His solicitor, John McBurney, has confirmed that papers for an appeal against the convictions have already been lodged. A final custodial term will be determined by Judge Paul Ramsey.