Former Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been sentenced to 15 years in prison following his conviction for 18 historical sex offences.
Judge Paul Ramsey imposed the sentence at Newry Crown Court today, following Donaldson’s conviction in June.
Judge Ramsey said today that Donaldson’s behaviour had led him into a “catastrophic descent into disgrace.”
The sentencing lasted for around an hour and a half.
Donaldson denied the charges throughout the trial, with his legal team confirming it had already lodged legal papers for an appeal.
The offences against the two victims spanned from 1985 and 2008 – with Donaldson convicted of a total of 18 offences: one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault, and four counts of gross indecency.
Both victims were schoolgirls at the time of the offences.
The two victims were present in court today, where they sat in the public gallery as Donaldson was sentenced. Donaldson did not acknowledge either victim as he was sentenced and returned to Maghaberry Prison.
The disgraced Unionist politician was stripped of his Knighthood and removed from the Privy Council after being found guilty.
A Stormont review into behaviour related to Donaldson during his time at Stormont was completed in August, with Assembly officials to consider what findings can be released.
The DUP has faced questions about whether Donaldson’s previous behaviour was ignored, while the party has condemned his crimes.
DUP: DONALDSON “DESERVES EVERY DAY OF SENTENCE”
In a statement, the DUP said: “Today justice has been done with the sentencing of Jeffrey Donaldson for his vile and disgusting crimes against his victims.
“Our first thoughts are again with the innocent victims, who having suffered such evil, were re-traumatised through giving evidence at the trial.
“They deserve our compassion, support and respect. We hope they can find some measure of comfort and can look ahead to a new chapter in their lives,” the party added.
“Regardless of status or position every individual must be held accountable for their actions.
“He deserves every day of the lengthy prison sentence he has to serve following the guilty verdict for preying on innocent child victims.”