22/06/2026
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson Found Guilty Of All Charges
Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of 18 historical sexual offences, including rape, following a trial at Newry Crown Court.
The 63-year-old was convicted today, Monday 22 June, of one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency involving two female victims who were children at the time of the offences.
The offences were found to have taken place between 1985 and 2008.
The verdicts were returned by a jury following a four-week trial at Newry Crown Court.
Lady Eleanor Donaldson, Sir Jeffrey's wife, was "found to have done the acts" in a separate 'trial of the facts'.
Donaldson has been remanded in custody.
According to reports, the judge at Newry Crown Court said that "Donaldson will face a lengthy prison sentence".
The 63-year-old was convicted today, Monday 22 June, of one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency involving two female victims who were children at the time of the offences.
The verdicts were returned by a jury following a four-week trial at Newry Crown Court.
Lady Eleanor Donaldson, Sir Jeffrey's wife, was "found to have done the acts" in a separate 'trial of the facts'.
Donaldson has been remanded in custody.
According to reports, the judge at Newry Crown Court said that "Donaldson will face a lengthy prison sentence".
Latest Northern Ireland News
22 June 2026
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson Found Guilty Of All Charges
Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of 18 historical sexual offences, including rape, following a trial at Newry Crown Court.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson Found Guilty Of All Charges
Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of 18 historical sexual offences, including rape, following a trial at Newry Crown Court.
22 June 2026
Bank of Ireland Issues Holiday Accommodation Scam Warning
Bank of Ireland is advising consumers to 'pause before they pay' when booking summer holiday accommodation due to a rise in holiday let scams. These fraudulent schemes generally involve criminals advertising properties that do not exist or are unavailable, tricking holidaymakers into sending upfront payments.
Bank of Ireland Issues Holiday Accommodation Scam Warning
Bank of Ireland is advising consumers to 'pause before they pay' when booking summer holiday accommodation due to a rise in holiday let scams. These fraudulent schemes generally involve criminals advertising properties that do not exist or are unavailable, tricking holidaymakers into sending upfront payments.
22 June 2026
Sir Keir Starmer Resigns as Labour Leader and Prime Minister
Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party and stated that he will step down from his role as Prime Minister once a successor is selected. Delivering a statement outside 10 Downing Street on Monday, Starmer confirmed that he will remain in office throughout an orderly transition process.
Sir Keir Starmer Resigns as Labour Leader and Prime Minister
Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party and stated that he will step down from his role as Prime Minister once a successor is selected. Delivering a statement outside 10 Downing Street on Monday, Starmer confirmed that he will remain in office throughout an orderly transition process.
22 June 2026
NIFRS Issues Summer Safety Reminder as Temperatures Rise
With warmer weather drawing more individuals outdoors for the summer season, the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is prompting members of the public to stay alert and follow straightforward safety guidelines to keep themselves and their families secure.
NIFRS Issues Summer Safety Reminder as Temperatures Rise
With warmer weather drawing more individuals outdoors for the summer season, the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is prompting members of the public to stay alert and follow straightforward safety guidelines to keep themselves and their families secure.
22 June 2026
Traffic And Travel Advice Ahead Of Zach Bryan Concerts
Concert-goers and motorists advised of extensive travel restrictions around Boucher Playing Fields this Tuesday and Wednesday. Motorists and residents are being alerted to anticipated traffic disruption in the vicinity of Boucher Playing Fields this Tuesday, 23 June, and Wednesday, 24 June, due to the upcoming Zach Bryan concerts.
Traffic And Travel Advice Ahead Of Zach Bryan Concerts
Concert-goers and motorists advised of extensive travel restrictions around Boucher Playing Fields this Tuesday and Wednesday. Motorists and residents are being alerted to anticipated traffic disruption in the vicinity of Boucher Playing Fields this Tuesday, 23 June, and Wednesday, 24 June, due to the upcoming Zach Bryan concerts.
22 June 2026
Belsonic Organisers Back Share The Road To Zero Campaign
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Belsonic Organisers Back Share The Road To Zero Campaign
Belfast concert promoters behind Belsonic and Custom House Square's Summer Series have thrown their support behind the Department for Infrastructure's Share the Road to Zero initiative as large crowds head to the city for shows this summer.
22 June 2026
Critical Flood Risk Management Project Completed on River Lagan
Efforts to manage flood risks along the River Lagan have achieved a significant milestone following the successful installation of new flood gates at Lambeg. This development follows the completion of engineering works at nearby Hilden last summer, with the new Lambeg installations marking the final finalisation of the overall project.
Critical Flood Risk Management Project Completed on River Lagan
Efforts to manage flood risks along the River Lagan have achieved a significant milestone following the successful installation of new flood gates at Lambeg. This development follows the completion of engineering works at nearby Hilden last summer, with the new Lambeg installations marking the final finalisation of the overall project.
22 June 2026
Lyons Reaffirms Support For Veterans At Armed Forces Day
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons used a visit to Coleraine for Armed Forces Day to underscore his backing for the veterans community and to highlight a new helpline. Last month, he launched the Department for Communities' Veterans Support Line NI, Northern Ireland's first dedicated government helpline for armed forces veterans.
Lyons Reaffirms Support For Veterans At Armed Forces Day
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons used a visit to Coleraine for Armed Forces Day to underscore his backing for the veterans community and to highlight a new helpline. Last month, he launched the Department for Communities' Veterans Support Line NI, Northern Ireland's first dedicated government helpline for armed forces veterans.
22 June 2026
Chief Constable Boutcher Marks Day Of Reflection With Message Of Remembrance
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has marked Northern Ireland's Day of Reflection on Sunday 21 June 2026, encouraging people to honour those affected by the Troubles. The observance aligns with a recommendation in his Kenova Report to use the longest day of the year as a moment for collective remembrance.
Chief Constable Boutcher Marks Day Of Reflection With Message Of Remembrance
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has marked Northern Ireland's Day of Reflection on Sunday 21 June 2026, encouraging people to honour those affected by the Troubles. The observance aligns with a recommendation in his Kenova Report to use the longest day of the year as a moment for collective remembrance.
19 June 2026
Benn Unveils £4m For PSNI After Northern Ireland Disorder
The UK Government has announced a £4 million emergency package to support the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) after last week’s public disorder and racially motivated violence. The disturbances followed a knife attack in North Belfast and caused significant fear, alarm and disruption across communities.
Benn Unveils £4m For PSNI After Northern Ireland Disorder
The UK Government has announced a £4 million emergency package to support the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) after last week’s public disorder and racially motivated violence. The disturbances followed a knife attack in North Belfast and caused significant fear, alarm and disruption across communities.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Some late sunshine for most then a dry night with occasional clear spells. Shallow mist and fog patches possible in low lying areas around dawn with winds light. Minimum temperature 14 °C.