Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing two girls over more than two decades, including the rape of a child under 13.
The 63-year-old former Northern Ireland politician received the sentence at Newry Crown Court on Thursday, 15 October 2026, after being convicted in June of 18 historical sexual offences committed between 1985 and 2008.
Judge Paul Ramsey criticised Donaldson for refusing to accept responsibility for his crimes, describing his downfall as a “catastrophic descent into disgrace”.
The judge said the former MP had continued to deny wrongdoing despite the jury’s verdict and had failed to show remorse towards his victims.
Donaldson, who led the DUP between 2021 and 2024, was convicted of one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency.
The offences involved two women who were children when the abuse began. Their identities remain protected by law. According to the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland (PPS), the offending occurred during two periods, between 1985 and 1991 and between 1999 and 2008.
Judge condemns Donaldson’s refusal to show remorse
During sentencing, Judge Ramsey considered the ages of the victims, the prolonged period of abuse and Donaldson’s continued denial of the offences.
The court imposed an 11-year prison term for offences against one victim, including rape, and a further four years for offences against the second victim.
The sentences will run consecutively, bringing the total to 15 years.
The judge also examined victim impact statements detailing the lasting consequences of the abuse.
One woman described experiencing shame and emotional distress long after the offences ended. She said the court proceedings had forced her to revisit painful childhood experiences.
The second victim told the court that the abuse had affected her relationships and wellbeing throughout adulthood.
Their statements highlighted how the consequences of childhood sexual abuse can continue long after the offences have stopped.
Donaldson placed on Sex Offenders Register for life
Beyond the prison sentence, Donaldson must remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) also confirmed that he is subject to a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which imposes restrictions intended to protect the public.
These measures form part of the legal consequences of his conviction and are separate from the 15-year custodial sentence. Donaldson has been held at Maghaberry Prison in County Antrim since his conviction in June.
His legal representatives have confirmed that he intends to challenge both his conviction and sentence.
The planned appeal does not overturn the jury’s verdict or the sentence imposed by the court.
What happened to Jeffrey Donaldson’s wife?
Donaldson’s wife, Eleanor Donaldson, 60, was also involved in the proceedings.
She was found medically unfit to stand trial and instead faced a legal process known as a trial of the facts.
Under this procedure, a court examines whether the accused committed the alleged acts without making a criminal conviction.
The court found that Eleanor had carried out acts alleged in five charges, including four relating to aiding and abetting her husband’s abuse.
However, that finding does not amount to a criminal conviction.
The PPS confirmed that she is expected to return to court on 13 November 2026, when the next stage of her case will be considered.
How the conviction ended Donaldson’s political career
Donaldson was among Northern Ireland’s longest-serving MPs, representing Lagan Valley at Westminster for 27 years.
He became DUP leader in 2021 and played a role in negotiations that helped restore Northern Ireland’s power-sharing government in early 2024.
His political career came to an abrupt end after his arrest in March 2024.
He subsequently resigned as DUP leader, while the criminal proceedings continued.
Following his conviction in June 2026, Donaldson was stripped of the knighthood awarded to him in 2016 for services to politics. His removal from the Privy Council was also confirmed.
The DUP condemned his actions following Thursday’s sentencing and expressed support for the victims.
The case has placed renewed attention on the responsibility of public institutions and political organisations to respond to allegations of abuse, regardless of the position held by the accused.
Prosecutors say status offers no protection from justice
The Public Prosecution Service welcomed the conclusion of the sentencing proceedings, while the PSNI highlighted the importance of victims reporting historical sexual abuse.
Donaldson’s conviction followed complaints made by two women whose experiences dated back to childhood.
Police arrested Donaldson and his wife on 28 March 2024 after receiving reports from the victims.
The prosecution eventually secured convictions on all 18 counts against him.
The outcome demonstrates that historical sexual offences can still be investigated and prosecuted decades after they occurred, provided sufficient admissible evidence is available.
Although Donaldson intends to appeal, the 15-year sentence remains in force unless altered through the legal process.
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