Debate contribution: Jeffrey Donaldson: Sentencing
Debate contribution by Ms Connie Egan on .
- MLA
- Ms Connie Egan
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 19 October 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Matter of the Day
- Heading
- Jeffrey Donaldson: Sentencing
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5795254
Read the official Assembly record
Text
First and foremost, I pay tribute to the incredible bravery of Jeffrey Donaldson's victims following his sentencing. Last Thursday, Jeffrey Donaldson was sentenced after being found guilty earlier this year of 18 child sexual abuse offences, including one charge of rape. The victims in the case showed incredible bravery in speaking out about the most heinous and vile crimes that they endured as children. That has led to Donaldson facing justice, despite, to this day, not accepting any responsibility or showing any remorse for his crimes. The harm that he has caused is long-lasting. The two women will have to live with what happened for the rest of their lives. I absolutely support a victim's right to maintain their lifelong anonymity unless they actively choose to waive that right. The victims in the case have already done so much by coming forward and enduring a trial process, so we must respect the fundamental right that they hold. I urge everyone to refrain from engaging in speculation or online discussion that could reveal their identities: to do so is a crime. Child sexual abuse is a heinous crime with profound impacts. The case again highlights the importance of ensuring that there are trauma-informed special measures in court processes here. Such measures make justice possible. Lastly, it is important to recognise that the high media coverage that the case has garnered and the high-profile nature of the offender may cause other victims of sexual crime to consider coming forward with their stories to the police and other relevant authorities. To them I say this: help is available. There are organisations that will listen to and believe you. Whether it is Women's Aid, Nexus or the Men's Advisory Project, they can help you take that daunting first step.
295 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Awaiting analysis
This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.
Disagree with this assessment?
Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.