No emotion as judge describes Donaldson’s ‘catastrophic descent into disgrace’
The former DUP leader wore a suit and tie as he was sentenced.
Jeffrey Donaldson was impassive in the dock of Newry Crown Court as Judge Paul Ramsey described his “catastrophic descent into disgrace”.
He showed no outward emotion as the judge ordered him to stand and passed a 15-year sentence, and he was led away by two prison staff to his new life as an inmate at the high-security Maghaberry Prison in Co Antrim.
Just feet away, the two women he had abused sat in the public gallery while extracts from their victim impact statements were read out. Complainant A was supported by her husband while Complainant B wept.
Donaldson had had four months as a prisoner to prepare for his sentencing, after being convicted at the same courtroom in June of 18 sex offences against the two women when they were children.
The former DUP leader was led into the dock shortly after 11am wearing a blue suit, a white shirt and a pink tie. He was wearing glasses and was clean shaven.
His appearance has not changed noticeably since he sat at Westminster as an MP.
He had his head slightly tilted to one side as Judge Paul Ramsey began to speak. His entire judgment lasted barely half an hour.
Judge Ramsey began by summarising what he called “a disturbing and disquieting case”.
He read parts of statements from the two women describing the impact the trial had had on them. A’s statement described the public nature of the trial as “horrific”.
She said: “I want the court to understand what has happened has broken me.”
B’s statement said Donaldson had taken away her ability to trust people.
She added: “Every day I pray to God to let me die.”
The judge said there was “no doubt whatsoever about the permanent mark this abuse has left on them”.
He stressed that Donaldson still refused to admit his guilt and had instead “doubled down on his denials”.
The judge said: “The major and most important mitigating factor in cases like this is admission of guilt.”
He said there had been “not one word of regret” from the former political leader for his actions.
Before handing down his sentence, he said Donaldson had reached the very heights of public office before his “catastrophic descent into disgrace”.
With that Donaldson was wordlessly led from the court. A prison van returned him to Maghaberry Prison.
On the footpath outside, a media pack had gathered, just as when Donaldson made his first court appearance in April 2024 and on every day of his four-week trial earlier this year.
Cameras from across Ireland and the UK were focused on the large steel gate through which a senior police officer and representative of the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) emerged to speak to the waiting press.
Detective Chief Inspector Leah Crothers read the words of the two victims who had exposed Donaldson’s lies.
A said the conviction and sentencing “does not erase the abuse or undo the impact of what happened to me”.
She said: “Those responsible do not control me now.
“They forever changed me, but they will not take my future. The cycle is being broken and it ends with me.”
B said nothing could ever change what was done to her.
She added: “Many people get to look ahead and plan their lives with hope, I’ve never known what that feels like. My hope was taken away from me a long time ago.”