Justice · Belfast, Northern Ireland · United Kingdom · October 15, 2026

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson jailed for 15 years

Reported by 1 outlet · first reported Oct 14, 8:00 PM ET

Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for child sexual abuse and rape. The offences took place between 1985 and 2008.

Why it matters

The sentencing of a once-leading unionist figure is a major moment in Northern Irish public life.

Background

Donaldson led the DUP and was a longtime MP before resigning in 2024 when he was charged. He had been central to negotiations restoring Northern Ireland's power-sharing government.

The story so far

1. Oct 15Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson jailed for 15 years
2. Oct 16Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson jailed for 15 years

Follow the whole story →

Sources

• AP ↗October 15, 2026

This summary was written automatically from the reporting linked above; follow the sources for the full story. How One Turn works.

See it on the globe →All of Oct 15's stories