Sir Jeffrey Donaldson – – ex-leader of Six county Democratic Unionist party in Ireland – found guilty of rape and all sex abuse charges
Lady Eleanor Donaldson found to have committed acts she was accused of.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson found guilty of rape and all sex abuse charges. Lady Eleanor Donaldson found to have committed acts she was accused of http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cw…
Nexus describes itself : “We are the leading organisation within Northern Ireland supporting individuals impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships”
NEXUS: ‘Focus on immense bravey of the victims’
Nexus CEO Joanne Barnes: “We welcome today’s guilty verdict, which marks an important step towards justice and accountability for the victims.
“For Nexus, it is important to focus on the immense bravery of the victims for remaining engaged with the criminal justice process despite the significant personal cost that this can bring.
“Often this process is not simply about reaching a verdict; it is about being heard, taken seriously, and treated with dignity. However, it is also a process that can be deeply challenging and, at times, re‑traumatising, requiring individuals to revisit profoundly distressing experiences.
“We know that the journey through the justice system can test even the strongest resolve. The courage required to report and remain engaged throughout should not be underestimated, particularly when the process can feel overwhelming or prolonged.
“It is vital that outcomes such as this contribute to building greater victim confidence in coming forward. Too often, fear, uncertainty, or previous experiences deter individuals from seeking justice.
We are mindful that today’s verdict may evoke a range of emotions for victims and survivors, including relief, validation, distress, anger, or sadness.
“At Nexus, we continue to support victims and survivors at every stage of their journey. We would strongly encourage anyone impacted by this case, or with similar experiences, to seek specialist support, which can play a crucial role in helping to navigate the impact of trauma and assist recovery.
“This case underscores the need for a justice system that is not only fair and evidence-based, but also compassionate and responsive to those who come forward. Victims and survivors deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and understanding throughout.”
UUP leader joins calls for Donaldson to be ‘stripped of all state honours without delay’
Jon Burrows, the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, has joined calls for Jeffrey Donaldson to be “stripped of all state honours without delay”, after the guilty verdict.
In a statement Mr Burrows said: “Today a jury has found Jeffrey Donaldson guilty on all charges. These are among the gravest crimes imaginable, committed against the most vulnerable by a man who spent his career demanding the public’s trust.
“I want to pay tribute to the brave women who gave evidence against Jeffrey Donaldson about the abuse he inflicted on them; they and their families are in my thoughts in the days ahead. Their ordeal has been unimaginable.
“The fact that Donaldson showed no remorse and called his victims liars is reprehensible.
“There is no rank, no title, and no past office that places anyone above the law. Jeffrey Donaldson abused his power and betrayed everyone who ever placed their faith in him. He must now be stripped of all state honours without delay: no honour of the state should remain in the hands of a man convicted of crimes of this nature.
“This is a moment for humility and for an unflinching commitment to survivors of abuse. No one is too powerful to be held to account.”
Sam McBride, belfast Telegraph, reports :
Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is a paedophile, a jury has unanimously found: Guilty on all 18 counts, including rape of a primary school girl. Judge says jail is "inevitable" and ex-MP immediately remanded into custody. Full breaking coverage:
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson’s ‘regret’ letter was not an apology, court hears
The jury in the trial of the former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson on a series of sexual abuse charges has heard more testimony today from one of the complainants.
She described the suggestion that the abuse had never taken place as ‘insulting and patronising’.
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson’s ‘regret’ letter was not an apology, court hearswww.channel4.com/news/former-…
Jurors in the trial of the former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson will hear about “difficult and traumatic incidents” the two alleged victims in the case allege occurred to them as children, Newry Crown Court has heard.
The long-delayed trial of former Democratic Unionist party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson is due to start on the week beginning May 25 2026. An unusual development has occurred.
A May 20 2026 RTÉ News Report states :
A judge has ruled that the wife of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson is unfit to face a criminal trial on sexual offences charges due to the state of her mental health.
Eleanor Donaldson, aged 60, will now face what is called a “trial of facts” rather than a normal trial.
That means a jury cannot find her guilty but will be asked to determine whether she committed the offences she is charged with.
Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, will face a normal criminal trial on 18 charges which he denies.
The former DUP leader has pleaded not guilty to one count of rape, four counts of gross indecency and 13 charges of indecent assault.
Ms Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to five charges including aiding and abetting her husband.
The 23 charges relate to offences allegedly committed against two plaintiffs between 1985 and 2008.
Their trial is scheduled to begin next week.
Judge Paul Ramsey ruled that Ms Donaldson is unfit to face a normal criminal trial after hearing evidence from a consultant forensic psychiatrist and reading reports from two doctors.
Dr Christine Kennedy told the court that Ms Donaldson was found to be “severely depressed”, suicidal and suffering with “high levels of anxiety”.
She said that on the balance of probabilities Ms Donaldson would not be able to instruct her legal team, could not follow the trial proceedings and would not be able to give evidence.
The judge heard legal submissions about whether the trial of facts will be heard simultaneously with Jeffrey Donaldson’s trial or run as separate proceedings at a different time.
Tomás Ó Flatharta 