Jeffrey Donaldson’s victims describe lasting harm ahead of sentencing
A prosecutor has relayed the lasting effects of Jeffrey Donaldson’s abuse on two women ahead of the former DUP leader’s sentencing.
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At a pre-sentencing hearing at Newry Crown Court, prosecutor Rosemary Walsh KC outlined victim-impact statements from two women who were children when former Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson abused them. Walsh said one described a “profound impact” and felt her childhood had been “stolen”. The other said the abuse affected her “every day and every relationship”. [1] [2]
A jury unanimously convicted Donaldson on 22 June of 18 offences against the two women: one count of rape, four of gross indecency with or towards a child and 13 of indecent assault on a female. The offences dated from 1985 to 2008. [1] [2] [3]
Judge Paul Ramsey said he would sentence Donaldson as soon as possible in October. Donaldson’s barrister acknowledged that he faced a lengthy custodial sentence. Donaldson denied the allegations at trial, and his solicitor said in July that he had lodged appeal papers with the Court of Appeal on his behalf. [1] [3] [4]
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