Jeffrey Donaldson sentenced to 15 years in prison for child sex offences
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Jeffrey Donaldson
Credit: Chris McAndrew [CC BY 3.0]
Former DUP leader, Jeffrey Donaldson, was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in prison for child sex offences, including one count of rape, committed against two women when they were children.
Sitting at Newry Crown Court Judge Ramsey said in his sentencing remarks that Mr Donaldson’s conviction represented “a catastrophic descent into disgrace” after having reached the “very heights of public office” during his political career.
Judge Ramsey also paid tribute to Mr Donaldson’s victims as it was only through their “courage, resourcefulness and determination” that Mr Donaldson was brought to justice.
Mr Donaldson was sentenced to 11 years in prison for the offences committed against victim B and four years for the offences committed against victim A. The sentences will run consecutively. A Sexual Offences Prevention Order will also be in place for a period of 10 years following Mr Donaldson’s release.
Speaking outside the Court Detective Chief Inspector Leah Crothers said police and the criminal justice system had “sent a clear message - no one is above the law”.
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