Two women face their abuser

In September, the two victims of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson faced him across a courtroom for the first time since his conviction.

Victims gave evidence in separate room

Both women gave evidence during Donaldson's month-long trial earlier in the year, using special court measures so they did not have to testify in front of him.

Eighteen charges across two victims

Donaldson was convicted of ten offences relating to Complainant B, the older woman, including one count of rape and nine of indecent assault, dating from nineteen eighty-five to nineteen ninety-one.

Four charges for younger victim

He was convicted of four charges of indecent assault and four of gross indecency relating to Complainant A, dating from nineteen ninety-nine to two thousand eight.

Complainant A's account of abuse

Complainant A said she was first abused when of primary school age. She described Donaldson using a light to look at her private parts and putting his tongue in her mouth.

A's letter expressing regret

In June two thousand twenty, Donaldson wrote to Complainant A expressing regret for all the hurt, pain and distress he had caused. She believed it was an apology for the abuse.

“regret for all the hurt, pain and distress I have caused”

Why A waited until two thousand twenty-four

Under cross-examination, Complainant A was asked why she waited until two thousand twenty-four to report the abuse to police. She said she knew it would be an extremely public affair involving media.

“I knew this would be an extremely public affair, involving media. It was a huge, huge decision.”

Complainant B's vivid memories

Complainant B told the jury she remembered two incidents vividly. In one, she said Donaldson put his hands down her underwear, pulled her legs apart and raped her when she was of primary school age.

B's lasting trauma from rape

Referring to the rape, Complainant B stated that the actions that night she will never forget and what happened that night will live with her forever.

“The actions that night I will never forget, what happened that night will live with me forever.”

Donaldson's message to minister

The trial heard that Donaldson sent a Presbyterian minister a message in two thousand twenty-three asking for a meeting. The minister responded that it would be inappropriate to have the meeting.

Donaldson's reply to the minister

Donaldson then sent a reply saying he just wanted to find a way to say how sorry he was and repent before them as he had before the Lord.

“I just want to find a way to say how sorry I am and repent before them as I have before the Lord”

Jury rejects Donaldson's denials

Donaldson spent two days in the witness box repeatedly denying he had abused the women. The jury unanimously found him guilty on all eighteen charges he faced.

Fifteen years in Maghaberry Prison

Judge Paul Ramsey ordered Donaldson, sixty-three, to be sent to Maghaberry Prison in County Antrim. The judge said Donaldson had shown no regret, apology or shame after conviction.

Appeal papers already lodged

Donaldson's solicitor John McBurney has previously confirmed that papers have been lodged for an appeal against the conviction and sentence.