Jeffrey Donaldson was found guilty.
The conviction was for child rape.
He is the former leader of the DUP.
Former DUP Leader Jeffrey Donaldson Found Guilty Of Child Rape
Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of all 18 historical child sexual abuse charges, including one count of rape, following a high-profile trial that has completely gripped Northern Ireland. The verdict, delivered at Newry Crown Court on June 22, 2026, marks a stunning downfall for one of the most prominent unionist politicians of his generation. Donaldson, 63, had fiercely denied the charges since his arrest and subsequent resignation as DUP leader in March 2024. ### The Verdict and the Co-Accused The jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts across all 18 counts, which involved two victims and spanned multiple decades. Donaldson’s wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, was also convicted on related charges of aiding and abetting the offenses. The prosecution detailed that Lady Donaldson was fully aware of the ongoing abuse but took steps to help conceal the crimes from authorities. ### Political Fallout Donaldson was once considered a crucial player in UK-Northern Ireland political relations. His arrest in 2024 immediately forced him to step down, triggering intense leadership shifts within the DUP and a complete suspension of his party membership. The court has remanded Donaldson and his wife ahead of their sentencing hearing, where he faces a substantial, multi-year prison sentence.