Jeffrey Donaldson, aged 63 and a former political leader in Northern Ireland, was convicted on Monday of 18 counts related to child sex abuse, including one count of rape. The verdict came after a prolonged jury trial held at Newry Crown Court, located south of Belfast.

The case has shocked the region, where Mr. Donaldson wielded significant political influence for many years. He served as the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party and strongly supported Northern Ireland’s union with the United Kingdom. His prominence grew during the period of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland, commonly referred to as the Troubles. Mr. Donaldson was the longest-serving member of Parliament in Northern Ireland before he suddenly resigned amidst a police investigation in 2024.

The charges against him stemmed from accusations of sexually abusing two individuals between 1985 and 2000. He was initially charged with child sex offenses in March 2024, leading to his resignation from his party leadership position. At that time, the party announced Mr. Donaldson’s suspension in a statement on their website, confirming the charges were “allegations of a historical nature.” The statement has since been removed.

The jury also found that Mr. Donaldson’s wife, Eleanor Donaldson, had assisted her husband in the abuse. Although charged alongside her husband, Mrs. Donaldson was deemed unfit to stand trial earlier this year. Both maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings.

According to reports, Mr. Donaldson remained impassive as the court delivered the verdict. He is currently in custody and awaits sentencing later this year.