Former DUP leader jailed 15 years for child sex abuse

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 14:32 · Archive

Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, has been jailed for 15 years for historical child sex offences.

Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, former leader of Northern Ireland's largest unionist party and its longest-serving MP, has been jailed for 15 years for historical child sex offences. He was convicted in June of one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency against two women at dates between 1985 and 2008, described as one of the highest-profile cases in the region in recent times.

Judge Paul Ramsey described the case as a 'catastrophic descent into disgrace' and 'disturbing and disquieting'. He assessed Donaldson as having a medium chance of reoffending. The judge said he was in no doubt of the permanent mark left on both victims, and cited the length of abuse and age of the victims as aggravating factors in the severity of the sentence. Prosecution lawyer Rosemary Walsh said one victim described the abuse as 'the worst moment of her life' and that it had affected all her relationships since. The other victim believed her childhood had been stolen and carried feelings of 'shame'.

Donaldson, who has been in prison since June, denied all charges throughout the trial and is seeking to appeal against his convictions. The judge noted that Donaldson had not offered one word of apology or shame.

Former DUP leader jailed 15 years for child sex abuse — Image: The West Australian

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How it is being reported

Ex-leader of N Ireland party jailed for child sex abuseFormer Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson, one of Northern Ireland's best-known politicians, has been jailed for 15 years for child abuse.The West Australian · 15 Oct, 14:21
Ex-leader of N Ireland party jailed for child sex abuseFormer Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson, one of Northern Ireland's best-known politicians, has been jailed for 15 years for child abuse.Perth Now · 15 Oct, 14:21

In this story: Jeffrey Donaldson · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland · Judge Paul Ramsey

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