Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in Northern Ireland, should receive a prison sentence exceeding 10 years for the sexual abuse of two women during their childhood, a court was told on Tuesday.

Donaldson, who led the DUP from 2021 to 2024, was found guilty in June of 18 counts related to sexual abuse, including one count of rape. The offences date back to years when the victims were children, with one complainant identified as being as young as seven or eight during some of the assaults. Donaldson was in his mid-20s at the time.

During a pre-sentencing hearing at Newry courthouse, prosecutor Rosemary Walsh KC emphasized the lasting impact of the abuse on the victims. She described how Complainant B, who was nine or ten during some of the incidents, exhibited visible distress while giving evidence. In her victim statement, Complainant B characterized the trial as a “terrible experience” and said the abuse affected her daily life, leaving her unable to fully understand love or trust. At times, she struggled so profoundly that she contemplated death.

Complainant A’s victim impact statement detailed how the abuse “stole” her childhood and caused enduring feelings of shame and anger. She reported ongoing difficulties with sleep and mental wellbeing, along with emotional exhaustion.

Walsh highlighted the complexity of sentencing in cases involving historical offences, noting that some charges carry maximum sentences ranging from two to 14 years. Due to the legislation governing historical crimes, the age difference between Donaldson and his victims was not legally factored into each count, but she argued it should be considered an aggravating element.

Representing Donaldson, barrister Kieran Vaughan KC urged the court to weigh mitigating factors, including Donaldson’s age, 63, and his previously unblemished character. Vaughan stressed that there had been no similar offences committed by Donaldson in the past 18 years and pointed to his significant achievements during that period, which he said were now overshadowed by the conviction.

Donaldson maintained a stoic demeanor throughout the approximately 70-minute hearing and is reportedly preparing to appeal the verdict.

Separately, Donaldson’s wife, Eleanor, has appealed against the court’s finding regarding her involvement in five of the related charges. She was found unfit to stand trial on mental health grounds, leading the jury to determine whether she had committed the acts alleged. She cannot be imprisoned but is seeking to overturn the court’s conclusions.

Donaldson is expected to receive his sentence next month.