Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, has been sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment at Newry Crown Court after a jury in June 2026 found him guilty of 18 child sexual abuse offences, one of which was rape. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The offences were committed against two victims, now adults, when they were children. The abuse took place across two distinct periods: between 1985 and 1991, and again from 1999 to 2008.

His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, 60, was found in a trial of the facts to have done the acts alleged in relation to five charges, including four counts of aiding and abetting her husband's abuse. The court had previously ruled that she was medically unfit to stand trial. She is scheduled to return to court on 13 November 2026 for a hearing on the conclusion of her case.

Catherine Kierans, Head of the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) Serious Crime Unit, said: "Child sexual abuse is a heinous crime. Jeffrey Donaldson exploited his young victims, causing profound and lasting harm that they continue to live with to this day. Despite the devastation he has caused, he has never accepted responsibility for his offending, nor shown any remorse.

"Jeffrey Donaldson held a prominent public position. This case shows that sexual abuse can be hidden behind a facade of respectability. It also shows that no individual, irrespective of their position, status or public reputation, is beyond the reach of the law."

Ms Kierans said the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) began its investigation after the victims reported the historic abuse to police many years after it occurred.

"The courage shown by the two victims in reporting the sexual abuse was the catalyst for a thorough PSNI investigation. The prosecution team, including independent Counsel, worked closely with police from an early stage to build the strong evidential case presented to the court," she said. "Both victims were assisted in giving evidence in court by special measures, which all victims of sexual offending are eligible for. These measures, supported and applied for by the PPS, enabled them to give evidence in a way that reduced the trauma and distress associated with taking part in court proceedings.

"The defendant always denied his crimes. However, the case that was presented, including the victims' testimony, resulted in the jury unanimously finding him guilty of all 18 sexual abuse charges he faced. The jury also found that Eleanor Donaldson had done the acts of which she was accused.

"The outcome reflects the strength of the partnership between the PSNI and the PPS, and our shared commitment to tackling sexual crimes and securing justice for victims.

"I want to pay tribute to the victims in this case. We recognise that it took great courage to speak out. Victims of sexual abuse should never feel shame for what was done to them. The shame belongs solely to those who commit these offences.

"We know that the criminal justice outcome will not heal all the hurt these two incredibly brave women have experienced. However, we hope it will be of some comfort to them as they look to the future."

Ms Kierans stressed that the victims, like all victims of sexual offences, have a legal right to anonymity. "Victims of sexual offending are entitled to protection and privacy. Everyone has a responsibility to respect those rights," she said.

She also urged other victims of sexual offending to come forward. "Although this case has understandably attracted a great deal of public attention due to the Donaldsons' profile, sadly the police and PPS deal with many cases involving the sexual abuse of children," Ms Kierans said.

"We recognise that it can be daunting for victims of sexual offences to come forward. My message is that help is available. The first step may be speaking to someone you trust, whether that is a friend, family member, GP or social worker. There are also specialist organisations that can provide support and help you report abuse to the police.

"If you are a victim of sexual abuse, no matter how much time has passed or who the offender is, dedicated police officers and prosecutors will treat you with dignity and respect. We approach all cases fairly, objectively and sensitively. Where there is sufficient evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction, we will not hesitate to prosecute and hold offenders to account."

Both defendants have lodged appeals.