Political parties, charities dealing with sexual abuse, police and prosecutors have all condemned the crimes of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson.

The former MP was sentened to 15 years in jail today in Newry Crown Court for a string of sexual offences against two women when they were children.

His sentencing reflects the “gravity of his crimes and the lifelong harm he inflicted on his victims”, the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party said in a statement.

UUP leader Jon Burrows said: “My thoughts remain with the two brave women whose courage brought him to justice, and with their families.

“No sentence can give back what was taken from them. But today’s outcome is the clearest possible statement that no office, no status and no reputation places anyone above the law, and that the courage of victims who come forward will be met with the full weight of justice.”

Mr Burrows added that the UUP’ own independent safeguarding review into Donaldson’s years within the party continues, adding: “The party will act on whatever it finds.”

The UUP leader also paid tribute to the “profound service” of charities and support organisations for survivors of historical abuse.

TUV leader Jim Allister paid tribute to his victims.

placeholder image — Jeffrey Donaldson arriving at Newry Crown Court where the jury has retire to consider its verdict in his trial alongside his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson in June.

“The justice delivered today to former DUP leader, the paedophile Jeffrey Donaldson, was only possible because of the courage of his victims,” he said.

“I trust it might encourage other victims of sexual crimes to come forward, not least because it shows that in this instance the politically powerful are not above the law. We need to see more of that.”

And Sinn Fein MP John Finucane said his thoughts were with the victims and their loved ones, whom he said “have shown immense courage in coming forward and seeking justice”.

He added: “The 15-year sentence is another important step towards accountability and recognition of the victims’ suffering. It is a significant moment for the victims and their families who have shown great resilience throughout. However, it cannot undo the abuse they endured.

“The focus must remain on supporting the victims in the time ahead. We must also increase our efforts to end the scourge of violence against women and girls in our society."

Alliance Party deputy leader Eóin Tennyson MLA said his thoughts are foremost with the two survivors at the centre of this case.

“The immense courage they have shown in coming forward and giving evidence, in the face of unspeakable pain and trauma, has delivered this important moment for justice,” he said.

"I am in awe of their extraordinary strength, dignity and resilience.

“Today’s sentencing recognises the heinous abuse they have suffered and represents an important step towards accountability. While no sentence can undo the harm, I hope today will bring some comfort to them and their loved ones.

“We must ensure our focus remains on supporting the survivors, protecting and respecting their anonymity, while renewing our determination to end violence against women and girls in our society.”

NSPCC: BETRAYAL BY PUBLIC FIGURE

Jeffrey Donaldson caused “profound and lasting” harm on two girls, the NSPCSS said.

NSPCC Northern Ireland said Donaldson also “betrayed the trust placed in him as a public figure”.

In a statement, it said: “Both women showed incredible courage in giving evidence, and we hope they can now begin to move forward in their lives knowing their abuser has been held accountable.

“Child sexual abuse can have a devastating impact on victims, and it is vital they receive the support they need.

“This case highlights that no matter how long ago the abuse took place, or who the perpetrator is, those who come forward will be listened to and can see justice served.”

It added: “Adults who are worried about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or via [email protected]. Childline is also available for children and young people on 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk.”

PSNI: MANIPULATED YOUNG VICTIMS

Jeffrey Donaldson “manipulated both young victims and exploited the trust they had in him for his own sexual gain”, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has said.

Detective Chief Inspector Leah Crothers said: “The abuse of two young girls at the hands of Jeffrey Donaldson occurred between the years 1985-2008.

“Living in silence and fear of the repercussions of telling someone or of not being believed, both brave women have suffered immeasurably as they come to terms with what happened to them as children.

“He robbed them both of their childhood and innocence.”

The PSNI also appealed to anyone with any concerns or suspicions relating the abuse of an adult or a child to make contact with them.

It said: “If you are now an adult and were abused as a child, it’s never too late to get justice. Report by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

“If you are not ready, please do speak to any one of the PSNI’s invaluable partners who can support and signpost you as needed: https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/protecting-yourself/sexual-violence-and-abuse.”

PPS: PROFOUND LASTING HARM

The head of the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) Serious Crime Unit Catherine Kierans said Jeffrey Donaldson’s victims continued to live with the “profound and lasting harm” he inflicted on them.

“Despite the devastation he has caused, he has never accepted responsibility for his offending, nor shown any remorse,” she said.

“Jeffrey Donaldson held a prominent public position. This case shows that sexual abuse can be hidden behind a facade of respectability. It also shows that no individual, irrespective of their position, status or public reputation, is beyond the reach of the law.”

Ms Kierans added: “The courage shown by the two victims in reporting the sexual abuse was the catalyst for a thorough PSNI investigation. The prosecution team, including independent counsel, worked closely with police from an early stage to build the strong evidential case presented to the court.

“Both victims were assisted in giving evidence in court by special measures, which all victims of sexual offending are eligible for. These measures, supported and applied for by the PPS, enabled them to give evidence in a way that reduced the trauma and distress associated with taking part in court proceedings.

“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.

“The outcome reflects the strength of the partnership between the PSNI and the PPS, and our shared commitment to tackling sexual crimes and securing justice for victims.

“I want to pay tribute to the victims in this case. We recognise that it took great courage to speak out. Victims of sexual abuse should never feel shame for what was done to them. The shame belongs solely to those who commit these offences.

“We know that the criminal justice outcome will not heal all the hurt these two incredibly brave women have experienced. However, we hope it will be of some comfort to them as they look to the future.”

NEXUS NI WELCOMES SENTENCING

Nexus NI, which supports victims of sexual abuse, welcomed the sentencing.

"While the verdict acknowledged the truth of what these victims endured and recognised the immense courage it took to come forward, justice is about more than a finding of guilt,” it said.

"It is also about ensuring that the consequences imposed properly reflect the gravity of the abuse and its lifelong impact on the victims who have had to live with its effects.

“Those with lived experience often carry the emotional, psychological, and relational consequences long after a sentence has been served.

“We also know that confidence in the justice system is heavily influenced by how victims are treated, and outcomes are perceived. Therefore, it is imperative that sentences reflect the full extent of the harm caused, and that victims' voices and experiences continue to be central to discussions around justice and accountability.

“Our thoughts remain firmly with those affected by this case. We recognise the strength it takes to come forward, remain engaged, and share experiences that are often deeply painful.

“At Nexus NI, we will continue to support those with lived experience of sexual abuse and abusive relationships and advocate for a justice system that is not only robust and fair, but also fully recognises the lifelong impact that sexual abuse can have on those who experience it.”