Jeffrey Donaldson Jailed for 15 Years for Child Sexual Abuse as Victim Says 'My Childhood Was Stolen From Me'

Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for 18 sexual offences, including rape, against two women who were children when the abuse began.

Judge Paul Ramsey sentenced the 63-year-old at Newry Crown Court on Thursday, 15 October 2026, following his conviction in June. The offences, committed between 1985 and 2008, included one count of rape, 13 of indecent assault and four of gross indecency.

Victims Describe Lasting Trauma After Donaldson Sentenced

Judge Ramsey read from victim impact statements describing the lasting psychological and physical effects of the abuse, including nightmares, fear and difficulties that continued long after the offending.

Victim A, the younger of the two women, described growing up feeling 'ashamed and dirty', while carrying considerable anger over the abuse.

'I want the court to understand that what he did to me has broken me,' she wrote.

In a separate statement issued after sentencing, she said: 'My childhood was stolen from me and I will never get it back.'

She described the investigation and trial as a 'living nightmare', highlighting the additional strain involved in reporting the abuse and participating in criminal proceedings.

Victim B said the abuse had affected 'every day and every relationship I have ever had'.

'What would it be like not to be afraid at night, not to wake up shaking, not to have nightmares and not to lock away every feeling I have?' she said in her post-sentencing statement.

She also criticised Donaldson for denying the offences and suggesting that she had fabricated her account. Both women are entitled to lifelong anonymity.

Donaldson to Serve Half of 15-Year Sentence

Donaldson received an 11-year sentence for offences against one victim and a further four years for offences against the other, to run consecutively.

Under the sentencing arrangements applicable to the historical offences, he qualifies for automatic 50% remission. He is therefore expected to serve seven and a half years in custody.

The offences pre-date the commencement of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008, which changed sentencing arrangements.

Donaldson was returned to Maghaberry Prison following the hearing. He has maintained his innocence, and his solicitor has confirmed that appeal papers have been lodged.

Arrest Followed Reports of Childhood Abuse

Donaldson was arrested on 28 March 2024 after two women approached police earlier that month and reported that he had sexually abused them during childhood.

At the time, he remained a senior political figure who had recently received praise in Washington, DC, for his role in restoring power-sharing government in Northern Ireland.

His arrest brought an abrupt end to his leadership of the DUP after a political career spanning approximately four decades.

He was convicted by a jury in June 2026 after a four-week trial. Following approximately 10 hours of deliberations, the jury found him guilty on all 18 counts.

Jury Heard Evidence From Both Victims

During the trial, jurors heard evidence from the two victims, including accounts provided during police interviews.

Victim B told detectives that Donaldson raped her while she was at primary school. Victim A described incidents involving sexual touching.

The court also heard evidence about the influence of Donaldson's public standing and political reputation. Victim A described watching him receive repeated accolades throughout his career.

Donaldson took the witness stand and answered questions from his barrister and the prosecution.

Prosecutor Rosemary Walsh KC challenged his account during cross-examination, describing him as 'sinful and deceitful'. She argued that he had abused young girls before drawing on Christianity and his victims' faith when seeking forgiveness.

The jury rejected Donaldson's denials and returned unanimous guilty verdicts.

Judge Criticises Donaldson's Continued Denials

During sentencing, Judge Ramsey addressed Donaldson's continued denials and failure to express remorse. 'There has not been, and doubtless will not be, one word of regret, apology or shame from this man to at least provide his victims with some crumb of comfort,' the judge said.

He said Donaldson had 'doubled down on his denials'.

The judge identified the breach of trust, the duration of the offending, the victims' young ages and the lasting impact on their lives as aggravating factors.

Donaldson's conviction also led to the loss of his knighthood and his removal from the Privy Council, which advises the monarch on state affairs.

His successor as DUP leader, Gavin Robinson, described the crimes as 'evil' and 'heinous'. The party commissioned an independent review of Donaldson's time as a member.

The Ulster Unionist Party, of which Donaldson was previously a member, also commissioned an independent safeguarding review. Its leader, Jon Burrows, said the party would act on the findings.

Wife's Proceedings Remain Separate

Donaldson's wife, Eleanor Donaldson, who was arrested alongside him, was dealt with through a separate trial of the facts after being found medically unfit to stand trial.

The court found that she had done the acts alleged, including aiding and abetting her husband's offending. This was not a criminal conviction.

She has also lodged an appeal against the court's conclusions. A further hearing will determine the outcome of her case.

Her proceedings remain separate from Donaldson's conviction and sentence.

Victim Says Offender Will Not Take Her Future

For the two women who came forward, the case involved a lengthy process, from reporting the abuse to giving evidence during a criminal trial.

Their statements described the consequences for their childhoods, relationships and everyday lives, as well as the strain of bringing the case against someone who had held considerable political and social influence.

In her statement after sentencing, Victim A said the conviction could not erase the abuse or its consequences.

'Those responsible do not control me now. They forever changed me, but they will not take my future. The cycle is being broken and it ends with me,' she said.