The DUP admitted some members knew of allegations against former leader Jeffrey Donaldson but didn't report them through official channels, deepening a crisis after his sexual abuse conviction. New claims of misconduct, including sexual harassment and hypocrisy, have emerged, prompting an independent review.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has condemned former leader Jeffrey Donaldson, convicted of child sexual offenses, as a "wicked deceiver" who led a "double and duplicitous life." Leaders at Stormont distanced the party from Donaldson, calling him a manipulator who hid his crimes. The conviction follows a trial where he was found guilty of 18 offenses against two victims.
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson convicted of 18 sexual offences against two child victims over 30 years ago. He was remanded into custody, with a lengthy prison sentence expected. His wife was found to have aided and abetted.
In the trial of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the jury was urged to consider the "pain and hurt" of the two women accusing him of child sexual abuse. Prosecution highlighted the "long and arduous process" for the complainants, who made allegations in March 2024 after years of suppressing their experiences. Sir Jeffrey denies multiple charges.
The victim of a stabbing attack in Belfast is "improving" and may be woken from a coma within 48 hours, according to DUP leader Gavin Robinson. The attack preceded nights of disorder in Northern Ireland, resulting in injured police officers and arrests. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn met with political parties to discuss the fallout.
Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 sexual abuse charges, including rape, spanning 1985-2008. Testifying at Newry crown court, the former DUP leader stated allegations from two women, referred to as witnesses A and B, are "simply not true" and "unbelievable". His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, faces a trial of the facts on aiding and abetting charges.
A jury in Northern Ireland heard details of an alleged child rape by former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson. The complainant, now an adult, described two incidents from 1985-2008. Donaldson denies all charges, while his wife, Eleanor, faces a trial of the facts.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, and his wife Eleanor, 60, face trial in Newry crown court for alleged sex offences spanning 21 years, including rape and gross indecency, with the trial expected to last at least four weeks.
