Former members of the Ulster Defence Regiment have expressed disgust at the crimes of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexual abuse of two young girls. Donaldson has often spoken about his service in the regiment.

Lord Tom Elliott, former UUP leader who also served in the UDR, said that ex-members would be equally disgusted as the general public. He noted that the issue was not widely discussed among former UDR members in Fermanagh because Donaldson was based in County Down or Lisburn, limiting contact between the groups.

The UUP's internal investigation into Donaldson's years within the party remains ongoing, overseen by party leader John Burrows. It has been extended until after the sentencing to capture any further information from the courts. Former senior PSNI officer Jim Gamble is leading a similar investigation in the DUP.

Castlederg man Stevan Patterson said he had spoken to former UDR members who were deeply shocked and saddened. He emphasised that their thoughts were with the victims and that justice had finally been done. Patterson, who was not a UDR member, said Donaldson had been a special guest at a parade in Castlederg in August 2021 marking the 50th anniversary of the murder of UDR soldier Winston Donnell. Patterson said it was now hard to look at pictures from that event given Donaldson's crimes.

The UDR was formed in 1970 and served continuously for 22 years. Its service was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 with the awarding of the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross to the Royal Irish Regiment. Donaldson's crimes have not been linked to his time in the regiment.