Former Democratic Unionist Party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been convicted of a series of sexual offences following a trial at Newry Crown Court.
The 63-year-old was found guilty by a jury of one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault, and four counts of gross indecency. The offences related to allegations made by two women and covered a period between 1985 and 2008.
Throughout the trial, Sir Jeffrey denied all charges brought against him. Both complainants gave evidence before the court, alleging they had been subjected to abuse during their childhood years. Sir Jeffrey also took the stand to provide evidence during the proceedings.
The verdict marks a significant development in a case that has attracted widespread public and political attention across Northern Ireland and beyond.
Sir Jeffrey’s wife, Eleanor Donaldson, aged 60, was also before the court. She denied allegations that she aided and abetted the offences. Due to concerns surrounding her mental health, she was subject to a trial of the facts rather than a conventional criminal trial. Such proceedings are designed to determine whether the alleged acts occurred but cannot result in a criminal conviction.
Sentencing and any further court proceedings are expected to take place at a later date.
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