Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been convicted of child sexual abuse at Newry Crown Court. After the guilty verdict, he was taken into custody. Sentencing will happen at a later date.

North Down MP Alex Easton, an independent who left the DUP in 2021, said the maximum sentence available would still not be enough. He praised the bravery of Donaldson’s victims and said his thoughts were with them. Easton added that the victims had been re-traumatised by having to give evidence.

Easton said his resignation from the DUP came just hours after Donaldson became leader. He recalled that Donaldson made a half-hearted effort to convince him to stay but then warned the party would field candidates against him if he stood for election. Easton described this as a threat that confirmed his decision to leave.

North Down MLA Connie Egan also paid tribute to the victims. She said they showed bravery in reporting the abuse despite knowing they would face intense media attention. Egan stressed that their lifelong anonymity must remain in place. She said the verdict shows that no one is above the law, and provided contact details for a domestic and sexual abuse helpline.