Jeffrey Donaldson: Putting former political leader behind bars shows 'no one above the law'
Putting a man who was formerly one of Ulster’s most formidable political leaders behind bars shows that no one is above the law, the PSNI has said.
The force’s senior investigating officer for the Jeffrey Donaldson case, Detective Inspector Leah Crothers, said the former DUP leader’s victims are “brave women” who have “suffered immeasurably as they come to terms with what happened to them as children”.
“He robbed them both of their childhood and innocence,” said the officer, commending both Complainant A and Complainant B for speaking out.
"It is no mean feat in sensitive and highly scrutinised cases such as this,” she stated.
“They have been subjected to speculation online, with their legal right to anonymity being jeopardised in the process, and yet they remained steadfastly supportive of the criminal justice process.”
The PSNI worked tirelessly to build a robust case against Donaldson while safeguarding, she stated, resulting in a 15-year sentence for a man “whose offending has shocked our local communities”.
Said D.I. Crothers: “Today is an important one. The police service and our criminal justice system has sent a clear message, no one is above the law.
“As a police service, we know the impact that serious sexual crime has on victims and we have approached this case as we do all others, focusing on the perpetrators and supporting the victims.”
A senior prosecutor said the conviction of a man who held such a prominent public position “shows that sexual abuse can be hidden behind a facade of respectability”.
Added the head of the Public Prosecution Service’s serious crime unit, Catherine Kierans: “[The case] also shows that no individual, irrespective of their position, status or public reputation, is beyond the reach of the law.
“Child sexual abuse is a heinous crime. Jeffrey Donaldson exploited his young victims, causing profound and lasting harm that they continue to live with to this day.
“Despite the devastation he has caused, he has never accepted responsibility for his offending, nor shown any remorse.
“The defendant always denied his crimes. However, the case that was presented, including the victims’ testimony, resulted in the jury unanimously finding him guilty of all 18 sexual abuse charges he faced.
“The jury also found that Eleanor Donaldson had done the acts of which she was accused.”
Both the police and prosecutors encouraged other sexual offence victims to come forward, stating their anonymity will be protected and legal measures are available to enable them to give evidence in a way that reduces distress.
Said Ms Kierans: “We recognise it can be daunting for victims of sexual offences to come forward. My message is that help is available.
“No matter how much time has passed or who the offender is, dedicated police officers and prosecutors will treat you with dignity and respect. We approach all cases fairly, objectively and sensitively. Where there is sufficient evidence, we will not hesitate to prosecute and hold offenders to account.”