DUP says former leader Donaldson ‘deserves every day’ of 15-year sentence

The DUP says “justice has been done” after the sentencing of former party leader Jeffrey Donaldson

At Newry Crown Court Donaldson was given a 15-year sentence for a series of historical sex offences against two women when they were children.

His conviction led to a political earthquake in Northern Ireland and the announcement of a series of reviews into his behaviour, within the DUP and the Ulster Unionist Party, in the Stormont Assembly, and by the Northern Ireland Civil Service after his time as a junior minister.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson previously described the review to establish what was known within the DUP about Donaldson’s conduct as “unprecedented”.

The review will be led by Jim Gamble, a former senior police officer and current head of the INEQE Safeguarding Group.

The Northern Ireland Survivor Council had expressed “concern” because the INEQE is also undertaking a safeguarding review of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and it had emerged Donaldson’s victims had previously disclosed to church officials they had been abused.

They have queried whether one organisation can independently and robustly conduct both reviews.

In a statement the DUP said “justice has been done” with Donaldson’s sentencing, describing his crimes as “vile and disgusting”.

“Our first thoughts are again with the innocent victims who, having suffered such evil, were re-traumatised through giving evidence at the trial.

“They deserve our compassion, support and respect. We hope they can find some measure of comfort and can look ahead to a new chapter in their lives.

“Regardless of status or position every individual must be held accountable for their actions.

“He deserves every day of the lengthy prison sentence he has to serve following the guilty verdict for preying on innocent child victims.”