Anne Donaghy, a former chief executive at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, has become the subject of a police investigation into alleged misconduct connected to a Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) mayor's clothing expenses. Three people, including Donaghy, have been referred to prosecutors for consideration over the matter. This development follows her conviction on 25 August 2026 on two charges related to deleting an email sent to former DUP leader Arlene Foster's private email address to prevent disclosure under Freedom of Information legislation.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed in January 2025 that a file had been submitted to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) for consideration. According to police, the investigation involves two women aged 56 and 42, and a 57-year-old man. None of these three individuals is the former DUP mayor whose expenses triggered the inquiry.
Donaghy's legal representative told a national broadcaster that the allegations would be "met with the same robustness as this week's proceedings which are now under appeal." The solicitor characterised the allegations as "of some considerable vintage stretching back a number of years."
What were the original clothing expenses?
The investigation centres on expenses claimed by Audrey Wales, 80, who served as mayor between 2016 and 2017. Wales, a Ballymena councillor, submitted claims totalling more than £2,300 for clothing purchases. However, when the council received a Freedom of Information request asking for details of these expenses, it provided incomplete information, stating that Wales had spent only £190.
The full cost of the clothing expenses remained undisclosed until a second FoI request in 2022 revealed the complete figure. Wales subsequently stated in 2022 that she had sent a cheque in 2019 reimbursing the council for most of the spending to address what she described as "electorally motivated questions." Donaghy received the cheque, but it was never processed. Wales later sent a second cheque in 2021 after discovering the first had not been cashed. She maintained that "at all times" she had acted in accordance with "guidance from council officials."
What did the council's investigation find?
In 2022, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council commissioned a Belfast-based firm to conduct an independent investigation into the matter. The investigation concluded that the council's initial Freedom of Information response involved "a deliberate manipulation," according to details that emerged in reporting by a local news outlet.
Donaghy has previously denied involvement in discussions about the FoI response and argued that an email she sent referring to the cheque demonstrated her intention to process it. According to reporting on related governance issues, Donaghy was also reported to have sought to delete emails because of a perception that she was "the DUP's person."
What was Donaghy's recent conviction?
On 25 August 2026, Donaghy was convicted of two charges connected to deleting or attempting to delete an email to prevent disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. The 56-year-old, of Clonmore Road, Dungannon, was fined £1,500. She was acquitted of a third charge of attempting to have an email deleted. The email at the centre of the conviction was sent to then-DUP leader Arlene Foster's private email address.
Her solicitor stated that Donaghy "maintains her innocence" and would "vehemently contest" the findings. The conviction is now subject to appeal proceedings.
What is the wider context?
This case represents the latest in a series of governance issues affecting Mid and East Antrim Borough Council concerning its handling of Freedom of Information legislation. The prosecution decision in the wider FOI case was publicly confirmed in 2025, with Donaghy's lawyer indicating she had been informed she would face charges involving alleged Freedom of Information offences.
The council has stated it will "carefully consider the outcome and any implications arising" from the recent trial. It added that the organisation remains "committed to the highest standards of governance, transparency and information management." The council's access-to-information policy allows requesters to appeal to the Information Commissioner if dissatisfied after a council review.
What happens next?
The PPS does not comment on evidence contained in files while they remain under consideration. Donaghy's legal team has indicated that any allegations will be contested with the same vigour applied to the recent email deletion charges. The conviction is currently under appeal, and the outcome of the PPS's consideration of the clothing expenses investigation remains pending.
