Donaldson to be sentenced for rape and sexual assault

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson is due to be sentenced later today for the rape and sexual assault of a schoolgirl and the sexual assault of a second young girl.

The 63-year-old was convicted in June after being found guilty by a jury of a total of 18 charges.

They included one count of rape, 13 of indecent assault, and four of gross indecency involving two victims.

A four week trial at Newry Crown Court, heard that Donaldson's offending had spanned more than two decades from 1985 to 2008.

The trial was told both victims had been of primary school age at the time.

Judge Paul Ramsey warned Donaldson that he could expect a "lengthy sentence" of imprisonment.

He has been in custody in Maghaberry Prison since his conviction while reports are compiled for the sentencing judge, including victim impact statements.

Donaldson's two victims sat in court during a recent pre-sentence hearing and watched as their abuser was taken back to the cells.

That hearing was told that Complainant A had been "exhausted" by carrying the weight or her experience for so many years and struggled to look at herself in the mirror at times.

Complainant B wrote in her victim impact statement that she did not know what "love or trust really are" anymore.

Donaldson's barrister said it was accepted that the conviction of the former long serving Westminster MP and DUP party leader had "obliterated" the achievements of his public life.

Donaldson's wife, Eleanor was found to have aided and abetted his offending in a non-criminal process known as a trial of the facts.

The 60-year-old did not attend the trial due to concerns about her mental health but was legally represented.

She will be dealt with by way of a separate hearing next month.

Options available to the judge include a treatment order, a supervision order, or an absolute discharge.

Both Donaldson and his wife have indicated their intention to appeal.