Jeffrey Donaldson, a former political leader from Northern Ireland, has been convicted of multiple child sex abuse charges including rape. A jury at Newry Crown Court, south of Belfast, announced the verdict after a lengthy trial.
Donaldson, aged 63, held significant political influence in the region for decades. He was once a prominent figure in the Democratic Unionist Party and supported Northern Ireland’s union with the United Kingdom during the Troubles.
In March 2024, charges emerged against Donaldson for sexually abusing two victims from 1985 to 2000. Consequently, he resigned as party leader under the pressure of a police investigation.
The Democratic Unionist Party initially suspended Donaldson, as confirmed in a statement later removed from their website.
The charges also implicated Donaldson’s wife, Eleanor, for aiding her husband. However, she was declared unfit for trial. Both denied the accusations.
As the verdict was delivered, Mr. Donaldson showed no emotional response. He has been remanded and awaits sentencing.
Reporter Ali Watkins, based in Belfast, covers international news for The Times.
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