Jeffrey Donaldson Found Guilty in Child Sex Abuse Case

Jeffrey Donaldson, a once prominent political leader in Northern Ireland, has been found guilty of multiple child sex abuse charges. The verdict came on Monday at Newry Crown Court, located south of Belfast, following a weekslong jury trial.

He was charged with 18 counts, including one count of rape, which shocked the region where Donaldson wielded substantial influence for years. Known for his leadership in the Democratic Unionist Party and as a staunch proponent of Northern Ireland’s union with the United Kingdom, Donaldson rose to fame during the Troubles, a time of intense sectarian conflict.

Donaldson’s career in politics was significant, with him holding the title of longest-serving Member of Parliament in Northern Ireland until his unexpected resignation in 2024 amid a police investigation. The charges were linked to abuse incidents occurring between 1985 and 2000, involving two victims.

Facing allegations of historical child sex offenses, Donaldson was charged in March 2024 and soon after resigned from his position as party leader. The Democratic Unionist Party suspended him following his affirmation of the charges. This information was initially available on the party’s website but appears to have been removed later.

The court also implicated Eleanor Donaldson, Jeffrey’s wife, in the crimes, finding her guilty of aiding and abetting the abuse. Eleanor Donaldson had been charged with her husband but was declared unfit to stand trial earlier this year. Both pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to reports, Jeffrey Donaldson remained unemotional when the verdict was delivered. He has been taken into custody awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for later in the year.

Ali Watkins, an international news correspondent for The Times, reports from Belfast.