Eleanor Donaldson, the wife of disgraced former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson, has been placed on the sex offenders’ register after being found to have aided and abetted her husband.
She was found to have concealed child sex offences committed by Donaldson over a period of more than 20 years.
The former politician, 63, was unanimously convicted this year of 18 offences against two victims spanning a 23-year period.
The charges included one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four of gross indecency. The offences took place between 1985 and 2008.
His wife will now remain subject to the sex offenders’ register for five years.
She was also made subject to a three-year supervision and treatment order (STO) by a judge at Newry Crown Court.
Both victims attended Eleanor Donaldson’s hearing.
The 60-year-old, from Dromore, County Down, faced a trial of the facts alongside her husband after being deemed unfit to take part in a conventional trial because of her mental health.
Eleanor appeared by videolink on Friday with her solicitor beside her, allowing Judge Paul Ramsey to explain the court order.
Eleanor Donaldson, pictured leaving court in 2024, has been placed on the sex offenders’ register after being found to have aided and abetted her husband, Jeffrey Donaldson
Donaldson, pictured arriving at Newry Courthouse in 2024 after being charged, has been sentenced to 15 years and will serve half of the term in prison
She kept her eyes closed and her head lowered while the judge addressed her.
Judge Ramsey said she would be supervised for three years by a social worker from the Craigavon Community Mental Health Team.
The order requires her to attend appointments, undergo treatment and allow the social worker to visit her at home.
He also told her that she would be subject to the notification requirements of the sex offenders’ register for five years.
When asked whether she understood the order, Eleanor nodded and replied, “yes”.
During the trial of facts, the court heard that she witnessed one of the assaults but did not intervene. Instead, she walked away and pulled the door closed behind her.
She was found to have carried out the acts alleged in five charges, including four relating to aiding and abetting her husband’s abuse.
Donaldson’s offences against Victim A included kissing her and putting his tongue in her mouth when she was of primary school age. He also put his hands under her top to grope her and used a light to look at her naked body.
Victim B was also at primary school when Donaldson raped her. He indecently assaulted her on nine occasions, including once in front of his wife.
Donaldson has received a 15-year sentence and will serve half of it in prison.
He is appealing his convictions, while Eleanor is challenging the jury’s verdicts.
It was also reported last month that Donaldson could be questioned by police over the alleged rape of a woman inside the British Houses of Parliament.
The woman has accused Donaldson of attacking her in 2016 at the DUP’s Westminster offices. She alleges that he tried to kiss her and put his hand up her skirt after attempting to persuade her to drink vodka shots.
She has already been interviewed by the PSNI, and her allegations have been passed to Scotland Yard.
The Metropolitan Police said its inquiries were continuing.
Bronagh Muldoon, assistant director of NSPCC Northern Ireland, said on Friday: “Jeffrey Donaldson repeatedly sexually abused two girls over many years, while his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, aided and abetted him.
“It is right and important that the role she played in these terrible crimes has been recognised by the court today.
“The women involved in this case have shown incredible bravery by coming forward and ensuring that both Donaldsons have been held accountable.
“We urge anyone who has experienced child sexual abuse to come forward and seek support, regardless of how much time has passed.
“We hope the outcome of this case demonstrates that survivors will be listened to and can obtain justice.
“Anyone concerned about a child should ask questions and take action when necessary to protect them.”
Adults can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk.
Children and young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk.