Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader and Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson has been convicted of multiple sexual offences against children.

A jury at Newry Crown Court returned unanimous guilty verdicts on charges that included rape and sexual abuse of two minors.

Donaldson was arrested in March 2024 after the complainants contacted police. The Public Prosecution Service brought charges within four weeks, a swift process that underscored the seriousness of the allegations.

The case against Donaldson relied entirely on the testimony of the victims. No DNA evidence, fingerprints, or eyewitnesses were presented during the trial.

Donaldson, who was knighted for his political service, had been the most senior unionist politician in Northern Ireland prior to his arrest. He had led the DUP and represented Lagan Valley for many years.

He is due to be sentenced at a later date.