Judge Paul Ramsey told Newry Crown Court that the case was “disturbing and disquieting” and that his offences had “had led to a “catastrophic descent into disgrace” for Mr Donaldson who had reached the heights of office in his political career.

A statement from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said: “Along with the George Gibney sentence on Monday, this week marks an important moment in demonstrating that the passage of time does not diminish the seriousness of sexual abuse, nor place perpetrators beyond the reach of justice.

 “I note that, in both the Donaldson and Gibney cases, the courts imposed sentences comprising consecutive elements. This is significant because it recognises the distinct harm caused by each offence and acknowledges the separate and lasting impact experienced by each victim. However, no sentence will ever erase the harm suffered at the hands of these men or restore the childhoods taken from the victims and survivors of their crimes.

 “Dublin Rape Crisis Centre joins our colleagues in Northern Ireland in welcoming this sentence and we take this opportunity to remind those who believe they have escaped accountability that no one is above the law, even if they wield substantial power and influence. While years or decades may pass, the impact on victims remains profound. Delayed reporting is common in cases of sexual abuse and in no way diminishes the gravity of the offences committed.

 “The Donaldson case also highlighted the immense challenges many survivors face when seeking justice. Many survivors describe the court process as a second trauma, sometimes as damaging as the original harm itself. Attempts to challenge credibility, question memory and shift scrutiny onto complainants can have a severe impact, not just on those involved in a case but on other survivors who may be considering whether to come forward. Until these experiences improve, the number of survivors who feel able to seek justice will remain far too low.

 “We thank the women at the heart of this case for their courage in coming forward, for their resilience in the courtroom, and for the message of hope they have sent to survivors of sexual violence across Ireland. We wish them well as they continue their healing.”