Jeffrey Donaldson

[Princesspeaches99]

He's just been found guilty of historical child sexual offences. I'm so glad that justice has been served for the two victims. His vile wife has also been found guilty in her trial of the facts. So many thought they would both be cleared because of who they are.

I’ve also been following the Newsline podcast which has been so informative. First of all, such admiration for the bravery for complainant A and B for bringing their perpetrator to justice. Though it is his job, representing JD Kieran Vaughan said some terrible things which did a victim of such heinous crimes must have been so upsetting to listen to.
So many observations and questions - is ED considered medically unfit indefinitely? Or could there be a time where she can be held to account if she recovers? I think not. It seems preposterous. Surely anyone accused of (and potentially guilty of) such terrible crimes would suffer mental health difficulties. Not everyone is spared the justice system though - it seems beyond understanding.
i don’t buy the Christian Family Centre not knowing the extent of what was alleged here - I call bullshit. Even an inference of such terrible crimes should have been enough to raise the alarm. They should be investigated properly as should the Presbyterian Church.

Also, can a prisoner request detention in another part of the UK? Surely not.

The arrogance and yet utter stupidity of thinking he was above the law! How he didn’t look over his shoulder the entire time is anyone’s guess but clearly he thought he was untouchable.

“what would the neighbours think?” Said ED. Oh gosh - the irony. Terrible.

If it's true that Maghaberry is the only suitable prison here there might be some protocols about that. There are bound to be some- if not political prisoners, then inmates from that world in there and as an ex DUP politician he could claim that he is at extra risk in addition to the usual risk to paedophiles. So might be carted off to England.

I am convinced more people knew about his crimes.. wherever he is, he will be protected for safety

Those women have been so brave and the prosecution have done their job well

Wouldn't be surprised if he was part of a ring of them.

I was going on the description of Magilligan as a low security prison for prisoners with less than 6 years on their sentence. No first hand knowledge.

Are child rapist usually held in solitary for their own safety?

also does NI not have mandatory reporting of child sex abuse allegations?
I am in Ireland but in various roles I have had for many years we have always been legally required to report any allegations of child sec abuse, even historical ones.

I wish RTE would stop using the photo of this pair at a wedding where she looks fabulous in a white hat. It is a very flattering photo. She looks a lot different in more recent times.

This case is really shocking. I wonder will more victims come forward?

He'll probably go straight to Magilligan where he will be be alone in a cell for a few days/weeks, on suicide watch. Im not sure Maghaberry have the facilities.

Eleanor Donaldson will probably receive a Mental Health Order

I think some of what was said is so revealing. It’s clear that he thought ‘I can do what I want as long as I repent before the Lord’. So convenient a way of thinking.

I do agree, if he’s done this, and his wife knew, and they had this fucking church meeting to brush it all under the rug you do wonder how he could be that brazen and not have other offences behind him.
I’m sure there must have been an inkling from others and perhaps more victims who didn’t want to come out against such a prominent man in NI.

I saw something on the news about Eleanor's brother in law being a convicted sex offender too. It is entirely possible there is a ring of them.

Yes, convenient. There's a long history of the most appalling people 'finding God' in Northern Ireland, I think one of the Shankill Butchers repented and became a pastor. Pity they didn't see the light before they destroyed others' lives with their wicked acts.

Not a bit surprised. The 'great' and the powerful in the North have been part of a huge cover up for generations. Holier than though, preaching fire and brimstone and no surrender yet were part of the abuse of God knows how many children. Kincora cover up tells us all we need to know with the abuse going right to the heart of the Windsor Mountbatten family. There should be a demand for all the files that are locked away to be exposed.
As for that Pastor! He should be charged with conspiracy if he's still alive.

I’m so pleased on the outcome for the victims. I’m sure there are others who haven’t come forward. Odious pair, hiding behind sanctimonious faith to look good. I’ve seen it so many times, - as the saying goes, bible in one hand ….

Listening to the Stephen Nolan show this morning - he was talking to a former prison governor, who said that it's very likely that D will either be transferred to a prison in GB, that this would be more desirable and manageable given his notoriety in NI/the paramilitary presence in jails, or that a 'bespoke' unit could be created within our prison system just for him. Also learned that D is still drawing down his MP's pension and that it will take a change in the law to stop this. Sickening.

I’m so glad justice has been done. I’ve followed the case closely and really felt that that evidence was overwhelming but didn’t know if I trusted the legal system. There’s things that the public don’t know (from what has been reported) so there might’ve been more evidence that were too specific and may have identified the victims. Though most people know who at least one of the victims are.

In Ireland (as in RoI) neither the accused nor the accuser is named in rape cases, which helps ensure the anonymity of the victims in cases like this. Victims quite often waive their anonymity after a guilty verdict.

I've been on the edge of several conversations about this case over the last couple of weeks and there was a strong feeling that he was guilty but likely to get off, and it is such a relief that that didn't happen.

Honestly the way this man has used “his faith” as part of his politics over the years and tried to use it to push NI in a certain direction all while raping children is fucking disgusting. I truly think he thought he was above the law.

So sad that he'll probably never be let wear one of his fancy silk ties again.

Absolutely
The Donaldson trial reminded me a bit of Howell
As Donaldson's church knew what he did and didn't report it to the authorities... bit like Howell s church

It absolutely hasn’t been published by media. Possibly by keyboard warriors sceptical of what they frame as legacy media. Those women are entitled to lifelong anonymity.

Id imagine he was the real reason for the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church resigning and the internal investigation. Quite correctly. I've did the Presbyterian training as I helped out in BB & GB as a crafter even though I was only in a few times a season. We were absolutely to pass on any concerns to the correct authorities and also to the minister and elder connected with the specific organisation and the Head of Safeguarding.

No way he will be in with the normal prisoners, just won't happen. Authorities won't want another Billy Wright case. He is still drawing his pension and will be held in relative comfort I imagine. Yet people like my poor mum are paying over £1k a week in nursing home fees and only allowed £20 towards clothing, toiletries etc.

That’s what I was asking earlier in the thread too.

they have to be implicated.