Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson sentenced to 15 years in prison for child sex crimes

He was sentenced today.

Donaldson was convicted in June of 18 counts of sex abuse committed against two women when they were children.

These offences happened between 1985 and 2008

Donaldson was sentenced at Newry Crown Court to 11 years for rape against Victim B and four years for all offences against Victim A.

These sentences will run consecutively for a total of 15 years in jail.

He will also be on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Donaldson was leader of the DUP from 2021 until 2024.

Despite being found guilty, Donaldson "doubled-down in his denials," the judge said while handing out the sentence.

“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," he added.