Key facts
- Jeffrey Donaldson was convicted of 18 child sexual offenses, including rape and indecent assault.
- His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, was found to have aided and abetted his offending.
- DUP leaders, including Deputy Leader Michelle McIlveen and Assembly member Jonathan Buckley, publicly condemned Donaldson.
- Donaldson has begun a prison sentence at Maghaberry high-security prison.
- The Orange Order has terminated Donaldson's membership.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has publicly denounced its former leader, Jeffrey Donaldson, as a "wicked deceiver" and "manipulator" following his conviction on child sexual offenses. Party leaders at the Stormont assembly sought to distance themselves from Donaldson, who was convicted of 18 offenses including rape and indecent assault against two victims over 30 years ago. Donaldson's wife, Eleanor, was found to have aided and abetted his crimes. Donaldson has begun serving his sentence at Maghaberry high-security prison, with speculation he may be moved to Great Britain. The Orange Order has terminated his membership. The conviction has shattered Donaldson's reputation, and calls have been made to strip him of his knighthood. Analysts suggest the DUP faces a challenge in dissociating itself from Donaldson ahead of upcoming elections.