Call for probe into what PSNI knew about Donaldson

Former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party Doug Beattie has said the Police Ombudsman must begin an investigation into what the PSNI knew regarding Jeffrey Donaldson's child sex offences.

Last Monday Donaldson, a former leader of the DUP, was found guilty of rape and 17 other sexual offences.

His two victims were young girls when he targeted them.

In a statement this morning Mr Beattie, an MLA for Upper Bann, said a number of individuals had since come forward indicating that concerns were raised about Donaldson's behaviour, with some suggesting knowledge of victims or of predatory behaviour.

He said that, of particular concern, were suggestions that a senior safeguarding officer within the PSNI might have held intelligence relating to Donaldson's behaviour up to a year before his arrest.

Mr Beattie observed that, while it was understood that intelligence did not in itself constitute evidence, this raised fundamental and legitimate questions.