PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has warned against “wild speculation” in relation to Jeffrey Donaldson amid ongoing legal proceedings.
The former DUP leader is in custody awaiting sentencing after being convicted last week of serious sexual offences against children.
Appearing before a meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Mr Boutcher warned against “irresponsible” commentary and said social media posts in relation to the trial were being investigated.
“It’s important that public commentary and journalism concerning allegations of rape and serious sexual offending recognise the integrity of the criminal justice process, particularly when proceedings have not concluded, and the possibility of appeal remains,” he told the Policing Board.
“I, of course, understand the public interest, but the commentary has been utterly irresponsible.”
Donaldson, the 63-year-old former DUP leader, was found guilty of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children.
Subsequent media reports have raised questions about how much was known about Donaldson’s wider conduct in the period prior to his 2024 arrest over sex abuse allegations.
Mr Boutcher said on Thursday that the first allegations against Donaldson were made to the PSNI in March 2024, and three weeks later he was arrested.
Mr Boutcher also paid tribute to the “courage and selflessness” of the victims in the Donaldson case and said they were “remarkable and special people and an example to us all”.
“The victims are finding the current media frenzy and wild speculation incredibly difficult to handle.
“I am aware that journalists have tried to reach out to the victims. That must stop. They do not wish to speak to the media, and everyone must respect the authority of the ongoing court process.”
He said lifelong anonymity is given to complainants in sexual offence cases and “great attention must be taken” to make sure this was not undermined, or victims were not discouraged from coming forward.
“I remind everyone that publicly identifying a victim of a sexual offence is, of itself, a criminal offence.
“We are actively investigating social media posts in connection with this trial.”
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