Overview
- A jury at Newry Crown Court found Jeffrey Donaldson guilty on Monday of 18 historical sexual offences, including one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency.
- Judge Paul Ramsey remanded Donaldson in custody, said a lengthy prison term is inevitable and set a sentencing hearing for September 25, 2026.
- Lady Eleanor Donaldson was subject to a trial of the facts and was found to have aided and abetted the offences but cannot be criminally convicted because she was ruled medically unfit to stand trial.
- The case rested on evidence from two complainants who say they were abused as children between 1985 and 2008, recorded police interviews and live testimony, while Donaldson disputed the allegations over two days in the witness box.
- Donaldson’s arrest in March 2024 ended his leadership and parliamentary career, victim impact statements will be prepared ahead of sentencing and the verdict may have lasting political and personal consequences for those involved.