Jeffrey Donaldson jailed for 15 years for child sexual abuse as victims reveal lifelong trauma
Former DUP leader and MP, Jeffrey Donaldson
Thursday 15 October 2026
Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing two girls, both of whom were just seven years old when the abuse began.
The 63-year-old was sentenced at Newry Crown Court on Thursday (15 October) for 18 offences, including the rape of a child under the age of 13, following abuse spanning the years 1985 to 2008.
Donaldson will also be placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and made subject to a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, 60, was found following a trial of the facts to have committed the acts alleged in five charges, including four relating to aiding and abetting her husband's abuse.
Survivors describe devastating impact
The two women, whose identities are legally protected, have released powerful statements describing how the abuse has affected their relationships, their ability to trust others and their lives long after childhood.
One survivor said the consequences had reached into every part of her life.
“My childhood was stolen from me and I will never get it back. The effects of the Donaldson’s actions have bled into every part of my life. Although the offences happened in the past, their impact did not end when the abuse ended.
“For years I carried shame, anger and guilt, and questioned whether I was worth protecting or worthy of being loved. I learnt to survive by shutting away my emotions, trusting no one and expecting people to hurt me. I became strong, resilient and fiercely independent, but those qualities came at a cost. I should never have had to become this strong.
“The last few years have been nothing short of a battle. The conviction does not erase the abuse or undo the impact of what happened to me, and I will always carry the consequences of it. But those responsible do not control me now. They forever changed me, but they will not take my future. The cycle is being broken and it ends with me.”
The second survivor described the lasting psychological effects of the abuse and the difficulty of imagining a future free from its consequences.
“What happened to me as a child has affected everything since then, every day and every relationship I have ever had. At times I wonder who I would be if this hadn’t happened to me. What would it be like not to be afraid at night, not to wake up shaking, not to have nightmares and not to lock away every feeling I have?
“What happened took away my ability to trust people and, in all honesty, I don’t think I really know what trust or love truly is. Nothing can ever change what was done to me. I wish it could.
“I stood up, many years later, because for me this is about drawing a line in the sand and knowing that the Donaldson’s can no longer hurt anyone else. Many people get to look ahead and plan their lives with hope, I’ve never known what that feels like. My hope was taken away from me a long time ago.”
Investigation began after victims reported abuse
Donaldson and his wife were arrested at their home on Thursday 28 March 2024 after police received reports from the two women.
Both were taken to Antrim custody suite, where they were interviewed for several hours. Police said both denied the allegations throughout their interviews.
According to the PSNI, Donaldson manipulated the girls and exploited the trust they placed in him for his own sexual gratification.
Police said Eleanor Donaldson had, on occasions reported by the victims, either been explicitly told about the abuse or witnessed her husband's sexual advances.
The investigation was led by detectives from the PSNI's Public Protection Branch, working alongside prosecutors to build the case and support the women through the criminal justice process.
Police praise courage of victims
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Leah Crothers welcomed the sentence and acknowledged the suffering endured by both survivors.
“The abuse of two young girls at the hands of Jeffrey Donaldson occurred between the years 1985-2008. Living in silence and fear of the repercussions of telling someone or of not being believed, both brave women have suffered immeasurably as they come to terms with what happened to them as children. He robbed them both of their childhood and innocence.
“I would like to take the opportunity to commend their bravery in pursuing justice, it is no mean feat in sensitive and highly scrutinised cases such as this. They have been subjected to speculation online and in the media with their legal right to anonymity being jeopardised in the process and yet they remained steadfastly supportive of the criminal justice process.”
DCI Crothers said detectives had worked tirelessly to safeguard the women and secure a criminal justice outcome.
“Today is an important one. The police service and our criminal justice system has sent a clear message, no one is above the law.”
Statement from Complainant A
Statement from Complainant B
DUP condemns former leader's crimes
The Democratic Unionist Party, which Donaldson previously led, described his offences as “vile and disgusting” and said its thoughts remained with the survivors.
In a statement, the party said:
“Our first thoughts are again with the innocent victims, who having suffered such evil, were re-traumatised through giving evidence at the trial. They deserve our compassion, support and respect. We hope they can find some measure of comfort and can look ahead to a new chapter in their lives.
“Regardless of status or position every individual must be held accountable for their actions.
“He deserves every day of the lengthy prison sentence he has to serve following the guilty verdict for preying on innocent child victims.”
Political leaders respond to sentencing
Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister said the outcome had been made possible by the determination of the two women to pursue justice.
“The justice delivered today to former DUP leader, the paedophile Jeffrey Donaldson, was only possible because of the courage of his victims.
“I trust it might encourage other victims of sexual crimes to come forward, not least because it shows that in this instance the politically powerful are not above the law. We need to see more of that.”
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA said the sentence reflected both the gravity of Donaldson's offences and the lifelong harm inflicted on the survivors.
“No sentence can give back what was taken from them. But today’s outcome is the clearest possible statement that no office, no status and no reputation places anyone above the law, and that the courage of victims who come forward will be met with the full weight of justice.”
Mr Burrows also highlighted the wider impact of the women's decision to speak out, saying support organisations had reported increased contact from other survivors of historical abuse.
“Beyond this case, the example these two women have set has already reached other survivors of historical abuse. Charities and support organisations have reported an increase in calls from people who drew strength from their example to seek help and to report what happened to them. That is a profound service to the whole community, and one that will long outlast this case.”
He confirmed that the Ulster Unionist Party's independent safeguarding review into Donaldson's years within the party remains ongoing under Anne Marks.
“The Ulster Unionist Party’s own Independent Safeguarding Review into Donaldson’s years within our party continues under Anne Marks, and the party will act on whatever it finds.”
Police encourage other survivors to seek support
Following the sentencing, the PSNI appealed to anyone concerned about the abuse of a child or adult to report their suspicions.
Police stressed that adults who experienced sexual abuse during childhood can still come forward, regardless of how much time has passed.
Anyone wishing to report abuse can contact police on 101, or call 999 in an emergency.
Those who are not ready to speak to police can seek confidential guidance and support through specialist organisations listed on the PSNI website:
For the two women at the centre of the case, the prison sentence brings a significant legal conclusion after years of suffering and a difficult journey through the courts. Their statements make clear, however, that the consequences of childhood sexual abuse do not end with a conviction, even as the justice system holds those responsible to account.
