NEWRY — Jeffrey Donaldson was convicted of 18 sexual offences at Newry Crown Court in 2025. The convictions included one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency, and 13 counts of indecent assault.

The offences occurred between 1985 and 2008 against two victims who were children at the time of the abuse. A jury found that Eleanor Donaldson aided and abetted her husband's offending. She faced a trial of facts because Judge Paul Ramsey deemed her unfit to stand trial on mental health grounds; such a trial tests evidence but does not result in a criminal conviction.

Donaldson, 63, pleaded not guilty to the charges during a four-week trial. Complainant B stated she was raped when she was of primary school age and that Donaldson fondled her breasts when she was of secondary school age. Complainant A stated that Donaldson was physical with her, placing his hands up her top, kissing her, and using a light to examine her genitals while she was of primary school age.

The trial heard that Donaldson met Complainant A in the 1990s at a Christian centre in County Antrim to apologize after she spoke to a pastor about the abuse. In 2020, Donaldson wrote a letter to Complainant A expressing regret for causing hurt, pain, and distress. He stated that these apologies referenced other matters and not abuse allegations.

Donaldson was arrested in March 2024, after which he resigned as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and stood down as a Member of Parliament. Gavin Robinson was appointed as the new leader of the DUP. Donaldson had become the DUP leader in 2021 and was knighted for political services in 2016. The victims first reported the offences to police in 2024. Donaldson married Eleanor in 1987.

Rosemary Walsh KC prosecuted the case, which was heard by a jury of five women and seven men. Kieran Vaughan KC served as Donaldson's barrister. "What happened that night will live with me for ever," Complainant B said. Rosemary Walsh KC stated, "The sexual abuse they suffered has consequences – consequences that cannot be ignored and brushed under the carpet any longer."

Donaldson denied the allegations. "It just didn't happen, I am absolutely crystal clear about that," he said. He added, "It is not something I would ever have done, it is just simply not true." Vaughan said the case came down to the accusers' word against his client's. "When all is said and done that is what it is about, their word against his word," Vaughan said. He also stated, "Nothing less will do. Suspicion is not good enough. You have to be sure."