Jeffrey Donaldson's convictions for child sex abuse "obliterate" the achievements he made during his career and "he will have to live with that", a court has heard during pre-sentencing submissions at Newry Crown Court.
The former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader appeared in the dock as prosecution and defence teams presented their arguments ahead of his sentencing, which is expected later in October. Donaldson was convicted in June of 18 counts of sex abuse including one of rape, offences he committed against two women when they were children between 1985 and 2008.
He is pursuing an appeal against his convictions. Appeal papers were lodged with the Court of Appeal in Belfast on 17 July, and the appeal process is expected to begin with a leave-to-appeal hearing before any full appeal proceeds.
What did the defence say about Donaldson's character?
Donaldson's defence barrister Keiron Vaughan KC argued that the 63-year-old had "previous good character" and that no offending of this type had occurred over the preceding 18 years. During that period, Donaldson had achieved significant things in his life, his barrister told the court.
"I readily accept that these convictions obliterate all those achievements that he has made in his life, and that's certainly something he will have to live with."
What is the status of Donaldson's wife?
Eleanor Donaldson, 60, faced a trial of the facts on mental health grounds, meaning she did not participate in the proceedings. She was accused of five related charges, including four counts of aiding and abetting. She was found to have committed the acts of which she was accused – a verdict which she intends to appeal.
What impact did the abuse have on the victims?
Prosecution barrister Rosemary Walsh KC outlined what she described as the "salient facts" heard during the trial and detailed the profound impact the offending had on both victims, referred to as Complainants A and B.
Complainant A described in her victim impact statement the "profound impact" the abuse had on her life. She believed her childhood had been "stolen" and felt an "enormous amount of anger that is always simmering away under the surface". Both complainants often wondered what life would have been like had they not experienced the abuse.
The abuse suffered by Complainant B affected her "every day and every relationship", Walsh said, and the complainant had to fight daily against the wish that she would die.
What happens next in the case?
Judge Paul Ramsey indicated he had received two victim impact reports and a sexual offences prevention order, and was awaiting medical reports before sentencing. The court is due to hear sentencing submissions on 25 September, with sentence expected later in October.
In July, Donaldson was stripped of his knighthood following the convictions. He has been held in Maghaberry Prison while awaiting sentencing.
What reviews are underway into Donaldson's conduct?
The Ulster Unionist Party launched an independent safeguarding review into Donaldson's conduct during his 21-year membership of the party, with submissions open until 14 October. A separate review into Donaldson's conduct in Stormont found no relevant information through the confidential route and no relevant Northern Ireland Civil Service-held records.
Key Facts
- Donaldson was convicted of 18 counts of child sex abuse including rape committed between 1985 and 2008
- His wife was found to have committed related acts but did not stand trial due to mental health grounds
- He is appealing his convictions with a leave-to-appeal hearing expected before any full appeal
- Sentencing is scheduled for later in October following submissions on 25 September
- He has been stripped of his knighthood and remains in custody pending sentencing
