Prominent politician found guilty of pedophilia

Former Northern Ireland Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson could face more than a decade in prison for sexual offences against two girls. The issue of punishment was discussed on September 25 in the court of the city of Newry. The meeting was reported by The Guardian. Sentencing is expected in October.

In June, a jury found Donaldson, 63, guilty of all 18 counts. These include rape and other sexual offences against two victims who were children at the time of the violence. Donaldson led the Democratic Unionist Party from 2021 to 2024.

At the hearing, the prosecution presented arguments that the court should take into account when determining the term. The prosecutor drew attention to the age of the victims and the significant age difference between them and Donaldson. According to the court, at the time of the crimes, one of the girls was nine or ten years old, and Donaldson was about 25-26 years old. Some episodes relate to an even earlier age of the child.

The judge also received statements from both women about the consequences of the experience. They said the violence affected their well-being, sleep and ability to trust people. The defense, for its part, asked to take into account Donaldson's current age, lack of previous convictions and other circumstances that it considers mitigating.

Donaldson is in custody and intends to appeal the indictment. The court has not yet appointed a final deadline: it will be determined after the completion of the sentencing procedure.

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