- Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been sentenced to 15 years in prison at Newry Crown Court for historical sex offences against two women when they were children.
- The 63-year-old was convicted in June of 18 sex offences, including one count of rape, committed between 1985 and 2008.
- Judge Paul Ramsey criticised Donaldson for showing no regret, apology or shame, describing his actions as a catastrophic descent into disgrace.
- The court heard evidence from both victims, detailing instances of sexual assault, inappropriate touching, and rape carried out when they were children.
- The Democratic Unionist Party welcomed the sentencing, stating that justice had been done and that Donaldson deserves every day of his sentence.
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