Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for historical child sexual offences against two victims.
The 63-year-old former MP was sentenced at Newry Crown Court on Thursday 15 October 2026, after a jury convicted him in June of 18 offences, including rape. The victims were children when the abuse occurred.
Convicted of 18 offences
Donaldson was found guilty of one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency. According to the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland (PPS), the offences took place during two periods, from 1985 to 1991 and from 1999 to 2008.
Reporting from the sentencing hearing says Judge Paul Ramsey imposed consecutive prison terms of 11 years and four years in relation to the two victims. The judge criticised Donaldson's refusal to accept responsibility for his crimes.
The PPS confirmed that Donaldson must sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) also confirmed that he is subject to a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
Prosecutors praise victims' courage
Catherine Kierans, head of the PPS Serious Crime Unit, said the case demonstrated that public status or reputation does not place anyone beyond the law. She paid tribute to the courage of the two victims in reporting the abuse and giving evidence.
The PSNI said its investigation began after the victims, now adults, reported offences committed during childhood. Police emphasised the lasting harm caused by the abuse.
Proceedings involving Eleanor Donaldson
Donaldson's wife, Eleanor Donaldson, was found at a separate trial of the facts to have done the acts alleged in relation to five charges, including four involving aiding and abetting. She had previously been found medically unfit to stand trial. That finding is not a criminal conviction.
According to the PPS, her case is due to return to court on 13 November 2026 for a further hearing.
Appeals and anonymity
The PPS states that both defendants have lodged appeals. Donaldson has continued to deny the offences, notwithstanding the jury's convictions and today's sentence.
Both victims have a legal right to lifetime anonymity. No information that could identify either victim should be published or shared.
Political background
Donaldson led the DUP until 2024 and was a longstanding Westminster representative. His sentencing is a major development in a case involving one of Northern Ireland's most prominent former political figures.