Jeffrey Donalson has been found guilty on all counts of sexually abusing two female children, whilst his wife Eleanor was found to have committed all counts against her.
Mr Donaldson (63) from Dublinhill Road, Dromore denied 18 charges involving two females who were both children at the time, including rape, indecent assaults and gross indecency.
Mrs Donaldson, (60) of the same address denied five counts of aiding and abetting, as well as child cruelty.
Offending occurred over various dates between 1985 and 2008.
Mr Donaldson stood trial alone as, while his wife was originally arrested and charged alongside him, she was later deemed unfit.
The charges against her therefore proceeded as a Trial of Facts – something Judge Paul Ramsey remarked was “the most Googled term last month in Northern Ireland. I can’t think why.”
In these instances, the jury determines if the offences occurred and not if she was guilty.
Prosecution counsel Rosemary Walsh KC had told the jury Complainant A avoided dealing with her experiences until 2023 when she met police and a safeguarding officer at a Presbyterian Church of Ireland building in Belfast to find out what would happen if she made a formal complaint.
This was, said Ms Walsh, “not a heat of the moment decision. It was long and carefully thought about. It was a huge decision and not made lightly.”
Likewise, Complainant B also buried memories and built a life “trying not to be a victim. She blamed herself because she hadn’t done anything all those years ago”.
Both women knew their decisions would have “lifelong consequences.”
Turning to Mr Donaldson, Ms Walsh said he “had no regard for the hurt and pain he caused either woman. The sexual abuse they suffered has consequences that cannot be brushed under the carpet any longer. That is why he is and should be found guilty.”
Mrs Donaldson, said Ms Walsh, “was aware her husband had a sexual interest in pre-pubescent girls. She either deliberately or recklessly exposed (Complainant A) to danger. She did not intervene. She facilitated the abuse of Complainant B … albeit a lesser role it is made out and should also be acknowledged.”
Delivering his charge to the jury, Judge Ramsey pointed out Mr Donaldson, “chose to give evidence even though he did not have to. Mrs Donaldson by contrast has not participated in this trial, although she was represented. She’s in a different position. Her legal representatives became concerned and accordingly and properly arranged for her to be seen by a psychiatrist. Ultimately the court was presented with medical reports and I ruled she was unfit. She was unable to give evidence, but did give an account to police. However, what she said in interview is not and cannot be evidence against Mr Donaldson.”
He concluded, “You must come to this with a completely clear mind and guard against being swayed by sympathy for or prejudice against one side or the other. It’s easy to have sympathies for young women who, if they are right, have been subjected to sexual assaults as children. It’s also easy to have sympathies for a man or woman accused of serious offences. You may also have strong views on drugs, religion, Christianity or politics which feature in this case. You mustn’t allow any views you hold to play any part in your decision.”
The jury retired to commence deliberations which lasted almost nine hours over the course of three days.
Today, (Monday), just after a lunch break the court was informed that verdicts had been reached.
Mr Donaldson, dressed in a dark blue suit, entered the dock and sat between custody staff.
The jury filed back, and Judge Ramsey asked Mr Donaldson to stand then one-by-one each charge was read and the foreman stated “Guilty.”
Matters turned to Mrs Donaldson and the foreman announced the jury had found all counts were committed.
Mr Donaldson remained completely still in the dock showing no emotion at any point.
Judge Ramsey thanked the jurors for their attention and diligence, before excusing them from jury-service for life.
With a lengthy prison sentence inevitable, Judge Ramsey remanded Mr Donaldson in immediate custody and ordered him to sign the Sex Offender Register, the duration of which will be decided at sentencing.
Mr Donaldson nodded to the judge before being escorted by custody staff to the court cells, before onward transfer to HMP Maghaberry.
In terms of Mrs Donaldson, Judge Ramsey said new psychiatric reports should be obtained and Victim Impact Reports are also to be submitted.
Sentencing will take place in September.
