Jeffrey Donaldson to be sentenced in October for sexual offences

Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson is expected to be sentenced in October following his conviction for 18 sexual offences. The 63-year-old was found guilty in June at Newry Crown Court of one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault, and four counts of gross indecency committed against two victims between 1985 and 2008.

Donaldson is currently being held at Maghaberry Prison while awaiting sentencing. His legal team has indicated that he intends to appeal the convictions. During a recent court appearance, Judge Paul Ramsey noted that a lengthy custodial sentence is inevitable.

Eleanor Donaldson, the former MP's wife, was found to have aided and abetted the offences during a trial of the facts. However, due to mental health concerns, she was not put on trial and will instead be dealt with under the Mental Health Order. The court is currently awaiting final medical reports regarding her condition before proceeding with the next steps in late September.