Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson found guilty of rape and indecent assault

Monday, 22 June 2026 14:25

Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of 18 sexual offences including rape.

The 63-year-old had denied all the charges, which spanned a period from 1985 to 2008 and related to two women when they were children.

But the jury convicted him of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency.

Both victims gave evidence in the trial and claimed they were abused as children. The former DUP leader also testified at the trial in Newry.

Sir Jeffrey's wife, Eleanor Donaldson, 60, denied aiding and abetting his alleged crimes.

She faced a trial of the facts on mental health grounds, which tests the evidence but cannot lead to a criminal conviction.

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(c) Sky News 2026: Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson found guilty of rape and indecent assault

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