UK prime Minister Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the “extraordinary courage” of the two victims of sexual abuse who gave evidence against Jeffrey Donaldson.
The former DUP leader was convicted last week by a jury at Newry Crown Court of 18 sex offences, including one count of rape, against the two women when they were children.
The case was raised during Prime Minister’s Questions in the Commons by DUP MP for Upper Bann Carla Lockhart.
No matter an abuser’s power or status, there can be no hiding place for someone who would take the safety or steal the innocence of young children
She said: “Last week in Northern Ireland a former member of this House was convicted for the most horrific child sexual abuse against two girls.
“I want to commend the victims for their extraordinary bravery in coming forward.
“It was their courage that secured a conviction, and I have no doubt that their resolve will help others find their voice.
“No matter an abuser’s power or status, there can be no hiding place for someone who would take the safety or steal the innocence of young children.”
It must have taken extraordinary courage, it does in every single one of these cases
Keir Starmer responded: “Can I thank you for raising the case in Belfast that concluded last week, and like her, salute the courage of the victims.
“It must have taken extraordinary courage, it does in every single one of these cases, but particularly when you’ve got powerful people and institutions, it takes even more courage to do so.
“And so we salute them for their own acts, but also because it will, I hope, help others to see that if you do come forward, you will be believed, and justice can be done, notwithstanding the difficulties.”
The two women, known during the trial as Complainant A and B, both gave evidence and were cross-examined about the abuse they suffered during the trial in Newry.
A gave evidence of inappropriate touching and kissing by Donaldson and an incident where he used a light to examine her genitals.
B told the trial she had been raped as a child of primary school age by Donaldson and later sexually assaulted by him.
Donaldson spent two days giving evidence during the trial, where he repeatedly denied the allegations.
A jury convicted the ex-MP of one count of rape, 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency.
His wife Eleanor Donaldson has been found to have aided and abetted his crimes following a trial of the facts.
Jeffrey Donaldson is currently in custody as he awaits sentencing later in the year.
The former political leader has since moved to renounce and forfeit his knighthood and membership of the Privy Council.