Jeffrey Donaldson, the 63-year-old former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), was sentenced to 15 years in prison at Newry Crown Court on Thursday. Donaldson was found guilty in June of 18 sexual offences involving two victims who were children at the time the abuse took place. The offences spanned a period of 23 years, from 1985 to 2008.

While both sources confirm the 15-year sentence and the number of charges, The Guardian provides additional context regarding the nature of the crimes and the judicial proceedings. The Guardian reports that the charges included one count of rape and notes that the victims provided statements detailing the long-term impact of the abuse. Sky News reports the sentencing more briefly, focusing on the core outcome of the legal proceedings.

Judge Paul Ramsey presided over the case, which marks the end of a significant political career in Northern Ireland. Donaldson had previously served as a dominant figure within unionist politics before his arrest and subsequent conviction. The sentencing concludes a high-profile legal case that has had significant repercussions for the DUP and the broader political landscape in Northern Ireland.