Eleanor Donaldson, wife of former DUP leader, placed on sex offender register
Eleanor Donaldson, wife of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson, has been placed on the sex offender register for five years after being found guilty of aiding and abetting her husband's sexual offences.
Eleanor Donaldson appeared via remote link at Newry crown court on Friday, bowing her head and crying as Judge Paul Ramsey imposed the order. The 60-year-old nodded and confirmed she understood the court order. Her husband, Jeffrey Donaldson, was convicted in June of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape, spanning 1985 to 2008.
Trial and Verdict
Donaldson faced a trial of the facts after being deemed unfit to participate in a conventional trial on mental health grounds. A jury found that she had aided and abetted her husband's abuse. Two experts told the court that a supervised treatment order was the most appropriate option, as she could not be given a prison sentence.
It is right and important that the role she played in these terrible crimes has been recognised in court today. The women involved in this case have shown incredible bravery in coming forward to ensure the Donaldsons have both been held accountable.
Court Order
The judge told the court that medical evidence about Eleanor Donaldson was unchallenged and that a supervision and treatment order was "inevitable." She will be under the supervision of a social worker from the Craigavon community mental health team for three years, requiring appointments, treatment and home visits.
The victims, known as Complainant A and B, were present in court for the hearing. The prosecutor noted that "pain permeated" their statements. Donaldson, wearing a black jumper with close-cropped hair and two cuts on her forehead, cast her eyes down and held a tissue during her three-minute appearance.
Appeals
The former DUP leader, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison in October, is appealing against his convictions. His wife is also appealing against the jury verdict that found her guilty of aiding and abetting his abuse.
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