Stormont review into Jeffrey Donaldson complete

The findings of a review into alleged abuse or inappropriate behaviour associated with former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson at Stormont has been completed.

The former MP was convicted of 18 sexual offences charges including one count of rape in June following a four week trial in Newry.

The findings of the review were sent to the clerk and chief executive of the Assembly this afternoon.

A spokesperson said they will now consider the report "and the extent to which the review's findings or a summary thereof can be published."

It began last month with the task of examining any allegations about his behaviour during his time as a member of the Stormont Assembly from 2003 to 2010 and when he visited Parliament Buildings as an MP.

The review was conducted by a senior Assembly safeguarding officer who was guided by experts in trauma-informed practices.

The stated purpose was to enable current or former elected members of the Assembly, staff working for political parties or others "to bring forward in a safe and supported manner any incidents of abuse or inappropriate behaviour they directly experienced while Jeffrey Donaldson was a member of the Assembly or visitor to Parliament Buildings."

It was also designed to draw attention to "any matters that may require further appropriate investigation or referral to the PSNI or other statutory bodies."

The former DUP leader is due to be sentenced late next month or early October but is seeking leave to appeal his conviction.