Two former senior Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers have stated they observed Jeffrey Donaldson entering a London sauna in 2006 that marketed itself as a meeting place for gay men. The same year, then-MP Donaldson told the Northern Ireland Assembly that several faiths teach homosexual practice is sinful.

Donaldson was convicted this month of 18 counts of child sex abuse, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children. Sentencing is expected in September.

Tim Hanley, former head of the PSNI's Serious Crime Branch, said he was certain he saw Donaldson enter Chariots, a venue near the Houses of Parliament that has since closed. A second detective corroborated the account.

Separately, former DUP MP Ian Paisley has revealed that during the 2021 party leadership contest, a young woman approached him alleging Donaldson had exploited her. She asked Paisley to prevent Donaldson from becoming leader.

Paisley, who described the encounter as deeply upsetting, relayed her concerns to Edwin Poots, who was also a contender at the time. Poots stated that the woman's wishes were observed throughout.

The Democratic Unionist Party said it had no knowledge of these issues and had never received any complaints about inappropriate or criminal behaviour by Donaldson.

Donaldson did not respond to requests for comment.