A pre-sentencing hearing took place at Newry Crown Court on Friday for Jeffrey Donaldson, the former DUP leader convicted of multiple sex offences. Donaldson appeared for the first time since his conviction in June, alongside his two victims.

Judge Paul Ramsey informed the 63-year-old that sentencing would occur next month. Donaldson has been held in Maghaberry Prison since the conviction.

He was found guilty of 18 sex offences, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children. The offences occurred between 1985 and 2008. The jury convicted him of one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault, and four counts of gross indecency.

During the hearing, prosecution barrister Rosemary Walsh KC outlined the salient facts. She noted the offending began when both victims were of primary school age. For the rape offence, the victim was nine or ten years old and Donaldson was 25 or 26.

Walsh highlighted aggravating factors including the youth of the victims and the protracted nature of the abuse. She said the starting point for such crimes is ten years in prison.

The court heard victim impact statements. One victim said her childhood was stolen and she suffers daily stress and anxiety. The other victim described the trial as a terrible experience and said she wishes to die every day. She also expressed guilt about not reporting the offences earlier.

Defence barrister Kieran Vaughan KC acknowledged that a lengthy custodial sentence is expected. He said Donaldson is of previous good character with no similar offending in 18 years. Vaughan said the convictions obliterate all achievements Donaldson has made in his life.

Donaldson's wife, Eleanor Donaldson, was not in court. She faced a trial of facts on mental health grounds and was found to have done the acts alleged, including four counts of aiding and abetting. A medical report stated she was unfit to attend the hearing. Her case is scheduled for a separate hearing in November.

Both Donaldson and his wife have lodged appeals against their convictions. Since his conviction, Donaldson has been stripped of his knighthood and removed from the Privy Council.

Judge Ramsey said he would sentence Donaldson as soon as possible next month.