Eleanor Donaldson, the wife of former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson, has been placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years after being found to have aided and abetted her husband’s sexual abuse of two girls.
The 60-year-old was also handed a three-year supervision and treatment order (STO) at Newry Crown Court.
Donaldson appeared briefly before the court via videolink on Friday, where Judge Paul Ramsey explained the terms of the order.
Her sentencing follows findings that she helped conceal sexual offences committed by her husband over a period spanning more than two decades.
Court Finds She Assisted Her Husband’s Abuse
Eleanor Donaldson underwent a trial of the facts alongside her husband’s proceedings after being deemed medically unfit to participate in a conventional trial on mental health grounds.
During the proceedings, the court heard that she had witnessed one of her husband’s assaults but failed to intervene. Instead, she walked away and closed the door behind her.
The court found that she had committed the acts alleged in five charges, four of which involved aiding and abetting Jeffrey Donaldson’s sexual abuse.
She was subsequently made subject to the five-year registration requirement and three-year supervision and treatment order.
Jeffrey Donaldson Convicted of 18 Sexual Offences
Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, was unanimously convicted earlier this year of 18 offences against two victims during a trial.
The offences were committed over a 23-year period, between 1985 and 2008.
They included one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency.
The court heard details of the abuse suffered by both victims, who were of primary school age when the offences occurred.
One victim, identified as Victim A, was subjected to indecent behaviour, including being kissed and having Donaldson put his tongue in her mouth.
He also touched her breasts beneath her clothing and used a light to look at her naked body.
The second victim, Victim B, was raped while still in primary school.
Donaldson also indecently assaulted her on nine occasions, including an incident that took place in front of his wife.
Donaldson Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison
The former DUP leader received a 15-year prison sentence for his offences.
He is expected to serve half of the sentence in custody.
His conviction followed the investigation and prosecution of allegations relating to the sexual abuse of the two victims over several decades.
His wife was also found to have played a role in facilitating or concealing aspects of the abuse, resulting in the findings against her.
NSPCC Welcomes Court’s Recognition of Victims
Bronagh Muldoon, assistant director of NSPCC Northern Ireland, commented on the outcome of the proceedings on Friday.
She said Jeffrey Donaldson had repeatedly sexually abused two girls over many years, while his wife had aided and abetted his actions.
Muldoon said the court’s recognition of Eleanor Donaldson’s involvement was important in establishing accountability for the offences.
She also praised the two women involved in the case for their courage in coming forward and ensuring that both defendants were held accountable.
The NSPCC representative encouraged anyone who had experienced child sexual abuse to report it and seek support, regardless of how much time had passed since the incidents.
She added that the outcome demonstrated that survivors could come forward, be heard and pursue justice.
