Publication date:
Jeffrey Donaldson (63) has today been sentenced at Newry Crown Court to 15 years imprisonment after being found guilty by a jury in June 2026 of 18 child sexual abuse offences, including one charge of rape. He will also be required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Donaldson’s offending happened when the two victims, who are now adults, were young children, and spanned two periods between 1985 and 1991 and 1999 and 2008.
His wife Eleanor Donaldson (60) was also found following a trial of the facts, to have done the acts alleged in relation to five charges including four of aiding and abetting her husband’s abuse. The court had previously determined that she was medically unfit to stand trial. She is due to return to court on 13 November 2026 for a hearing in relation to the conclusion of her case.
The Head of the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) Serious Crime Unit Catherine Kierans said: “Child sexual abuse is a heinous crime. Jeffrey Donaldson exploited his young victims, causing profound and lasting harm that they continue to live with to this day. Despite the devastation he has caused, he has never accepted responsibility for his offending, nor shown any remorse.
“Jeffrey Donaldson held a prominent public position. This case shows that sexual abuse can be hidden behind a facade of respectability. It also shows that no individual, irrespective of their position, status or public reputation, is beyond the reach of the law.”
Ms Kierans said the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s investigation began after the victims contacted police about the abuse many years after it occurred.
“The courage shown by the two victims in reporting the sexual abuse was the catalyst for a thorough PSNI investigation. The prosecution team, including independent Counsel, worked closely with police from an early stage to build the strong evidential case presented to the court,” she said.
“Both victims were assisted in giving evidence in court by special measures, which all victims of sexual offending are eligible for. These measures, supported and applied for by the PPS, enabled them to give evidence in a way that reduced the trauma and distress associated with taking part in court proceedings.
“The defendant always denied his crimes. However, the case that was presented, including the victims’ testimony, resulted in the jury unanimously finding him guilty of all 18 sexual abuse charges he faced. The jury also found that Eleanor Donaldson had done the acts of which she was accused.
“The outcome reflects the strength of the partnership between the PSNI and the PPS, and our shared commitment to tackling sexual crimes and securing justice for victims.
“I want to pay tribute to the victims in this case. We recognise that it took great courage to speak out. Victims of sexual abuse should never feel shame for what was done to them. The shame belongs solely to those who commit these offences.
“We know that the criminal justice outcome will not heal all the hurt these two incredibly brave women have experienced. However, we hope it will be of some comfort to them as they look to the future.”
Ms Kierans emphasised that the victims, like all victims of sexual offences, have a legal right to anonymity.
“Victims of sexual offending are entitled to protection and privacy. Everyone has a responsibility to respect those rights,” she said.
The PPS Assistant Director encouraged other victims of sexual offending to report what has happened to them.
“Although this case has understandably attracted a great deal of public attention due to the Donaldsons’ profile, sadly the police and PPS deal with many cases involving the sexual abuse of children,” Ms Kierans said.
“We recognise that it can be daunting for victims of sexual offences to come forward. My message is that help is available. The first step may be speaking to someone you trust, whether that is a friend, family member, GP or social worker. There are also specialist organisations that can provide support and help you report abuse to the police.
“If you are a victim of sexual abuse, no matter how much time has passed or who the offender is, dedicated police officers and prosecutors will treat you with dignity and respect. We approach all cases fairly, objectively and sensitively. Where there is sufficient evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction, we will not hesitate to prosecute and hold offenders to account.”
Notes to Editors:
Both defendants have lodged appeals.
Special Measures are provisions that help vulnerable and intimidated witnesses give their best evidence in court and help to relieve some of the stresses associated with giving evidence. Special Measures are subject to the discretion of the court. You can find out more about Special Measures on the PPS website.
The PPS and PSNI have a Joint Strategy for Investigating and Prosecuting Serious Sexual Offences which sets out a shared commitment to improve the experience of victims and strengthen the criminal justice response to these crimes.
All cases involving allegations of sexual crimes are handled in line with the PPS Policy for Prosecuting Sexual Offences. The Policy includes information on our approach to these cases, and the support available for victims and witnesses.
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