Jeffrey Donaldson jailed for 15 years for sex offences
Newry Crown Court hears of 'catastrophic descent into disgrace' as victims speak of profound impact.
Jeffrey Donaldson has been sentenced to 15 years in prison at Newry Crown Court for 18 sex offences against two women when they were children. Judge Paul Ramsey described Donaldson's conviction as a 'catastrophic descent into disgrace' as he handed down the sentence on Thursday.
Donaldson, who had been convicted in June, showed no outward emotion as the judge ordered him to stand and passed the sentence. He was subsequently led away to begin his sentence at Maghaberry Prison in County Antrim. The two victims sat in the public gallery during the proceedings, with one supported by her husband and the other weeping.
Impact of the Abuse
Victim impact statements were read in court, detailing the profound and lasting effect of the abuse. One complainant described the public nature of the trial as 'horrific' and stated, 'I want the court to understand what has happened has broken me.' Another victim shared that Donaldson had taken away her ability to trust people, adding, 'Every day I pray to God to let me die.'
Judge Ramsey acknowledged the 'permanent mark this abuse has left on them'. He noted that Donaldson had refused to admit guilt, stating that an admission of guilt is the 'major and most important mitigating factor in cases like this'. The judge observed there had been 'not one word of regret' from the former political leader.
“The conviction and sentencing does not erase the abuse or undo the impact of what happened to me. 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.”
Outside the court, Detective Chief Inspector Leah Crothers read statements on behalf of the victims. One victim stated that while the sentence did not erase the abuse, she would not be controlled and would not let her future be taken. She expressed a determination to break the cycle of abuse.
The other victim's statement read: 'Nothing could ever change what was done to me. 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.'
Next Steps
Donaldson has been transferred to Maghaberry Prison. The court proceedings have concluded with his sentencing.
Questions this report answers
01What was Jeffrey Donaldson sentenced for?
Jeffrey Donaldson was sentenced to 15 years in prison for 18 sex offences committed against two women when they were children. He was convicted of these offences in June at Newry Crown Court.
02What did the judge say about Donaldson's actions?
Judge Paul Ramsey described Donaldson's conviction as a 'catastrophic descent into disgrace'. He also noted the 'permanent mark this abuse has left on them' and the absence of any admission of guilt or regret from Donaldson.
03How did the victims describe the impact of the abuse?
Victim impact statements detailed profound and lasting effects. One victim called the trial 'horrific' and stated she had been 'broken', while another said her ability to trust had been taken away and she had never known hope.
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