Jeffrey Donaldson jailed for child sexual abuse offences

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Jeffrey Donaldson was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment at Newry Crown Court on 15 October 2026 after a jury found him guilty of 18 child sexual abuse offences, including rape. His offending involved two victims when they were young children.

He must also sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. Both defendants have lodged appeals.

Eleanor Donaldson was found to have done the acts alleged in relation to five charges, including aiding and abetting abuse. The court had previously found her medically unfit to stand trial, and she is due back on 13 November 2026 for a hearing on the conclusion of her case.