Political leaders praise victims' courage in giving evidence against 'reprehensible' former DUP boss Jeffrey Donaldson

Two women gave evidence during the trial, with the disgraced former MP repeatedly denying that he had abused them as children – but a jury at Newry Crown Court found him guilty on all 18 charges, including rape.

UUP leader Jon Burrows praised the women – and said the fact that Mr Donaldson had “showed no remorse and called his victims liars is reprehensible”.

TUV leader Jim Allister described the events as “truly shocking” – and praised the victims who he said had shown “immense courage and honesty”.

The DUP said most heinous and despicable crimes had been committed by the former MP, and welcomed “the fact that justice has been done”. A statement from the party said it had “acted decisively” against Donaldson following him being charged over historic sex abuse, adding “he is not a member of our party”.

It went on to say that the DUP’s thoughts are, “first and foremost, with those innocent victims whose lives have been impacted and blighted by his predatory and repugnant behaviour”.

SDLP leader Claire Hanna said the victims’ “bravery has resulted in justice being done” – while Sinn Fein MP John Finucane said the verdict had provided “accountability and recognition” of their suffering.

Jeffrey Donaldson has been remanded into custody, with the judge stating that he now faces a lengthy custodial sentence. The jury convicted him of one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency, with his wife Eleanor Donaldson found to have aided and abetted his crimes following a trial of the facts.

UUP leader Jon Burrows said: “These are among the gravest crimes imaginable, committed against the most vulnerable by a man who spent his career demanding the public's trust.

“I want to pay tribute to the brave women who gave evidence against Jeffrey Donaldson about the abuse he inflicted on them; they and their families are in my thoughts in the days ahead. Their ordeal has been unimaginable.

“The fact that Donaldson showed no remorse and called his victims liars is reprehensible”

Claire Hanna MP said the case “should send a clear message that no one is above the law, regardless of their position, profile or influence. I hope it gives confidence to victims everywhere that those responsible for abuse can be held accountable.”

Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson said the victims’ “remarkable courage and bravery in stepping forward has delivered justice, accountability and recognition of the horrendous abuse they have suffered”.

““I am also conscious that reports of this trial may be deeply distressing for other victims and survivors of abuse in our society. Please know that help and support is available, and you will be believed”, the Upper Bann MLA added.

Commenting on the conclusion of the Jeffrey Donaldson trial, Sinn Féin MP John Finucane said the victims “deserve immense credit and continued support for the courage they have shown to come forward and seek justice”.

The North Belfast MP said: “The focus should remain firmly on them, as they come to terms with the conclusion of the trial and they should be supported now and in the future.”

Jeffrey Donaldson showed no reaction to the verdicts as he stood with his hands folded in front of him. He had pleaded not guilty to the offences, which spanned a period between 1985 and 2008.

Complainants A and B both gave evidence at the trial, alleging they were abused as children.

During two days of evidence, Mr Donaldson repeatedly denied the allegations against him.

Eleanor Donaldson, 60, from Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, had denied several charges of aiding and abetting her husband.

She faced a trial of the facts on mental health grounds, which tested the evidence but could not result in a criminal conviction. However, she was found to have done the acts she was accused of – including four related to aiding and abetting his offences.